The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to help eligible households manage their energy costs. Specifically for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers, understanding the requirements for the CARE program is the first step towards accessing significant savings on your utility bills. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy expenses, particularly with SDG&E, this guide will walk you through the essential requirements for enrolling in the CARE program.
Understanding the SDGE CARE Program
SDG&E, a major utility company in California, participates in the statewide CARE program to offer substantial discounts to qualifying low-income customers. Enrolling in the CARE program with SDG&E can lead to a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts are designed to make energy more affordable for households that meet specific eligibility criteria.
To explore this opportunity further and begin your application, you can reach out to SDG&E directly or visit their dedicated CARE program webpage.
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| SDG&E |
This table highlights the contact information for SDG&E’s CARE program, making it easy to find the resources you need to apply and learn more. SDG&E is committed to assisting customers in accessing these valuable savings.
Eligibility Requirements for SDGE CARE
To qualify for the SDG&E CARE program, you must meet certain requirements based on either your household income or enrollment in specific public assistance programs. Let’s break down these eligibility paths:
Income-Based Eligibility
The most common way to qualify for CARE is through income. Your total household income must be at or below the specified income limits. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025. Here are the current income guidelines:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
This table clearly outlines the maximum annual gross income allowed for different household sizes to be eligible for the SDG&E CARE program. To determine if you qualify, find your household size and check if your total gross annual income falls at or below the corresponding limit.
Program-Based Eligibility
Even if your income slightly exceeds the income limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs indicate a need for financial assistance, automatically qualifying you for CARE. Qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically makes you eligible for the SDG&E CARE program, regardless of your specific income level, simplifying the qualification process for many households.
How to Apply for SDGE CARE
Applying for the SDG&E CARE program is straightforward. You can start by visiting the SDG&E website dedicated to payment and bill assistance, or specifically the CARE program page. The website provides detailed information and application forms.
Alternatively, you can contact SDG&E directly by phone at 800-411-7343 to request an application form and receive personalized assistance with your application process. Application forms are also often available through various community agencies and organizations that partner with SDG&E to support low-income residents.
What is FERA? – Another Assistance Option
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. While FERA offers a smaller discount of 18% on electricity bills, it can still provide significant relief. FERA is available to SDG&E customers, along with customers of Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,641 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,401 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,161 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,921 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,681 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,441 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
This table compares the income limits for both CARE and FERA, showing that FERA extends assistance to households with slightly higher income levels. If you find that your income is just above the CARE limits, checking your eligibility for FERA is a worthwhile step to further reduce your energy costs with SDG&E.
Conclusion
Understanding the requirements for the SDG&E CARE program is crucial for accessing much-needed energy bill assistance. Whether you qualify based on income or participation in public assistance programs, the CARE program offers significant discounts to help manage your energy expenses. Don’t hesitate to contact SDG&E or visit their website to explore your eligibility and begin your application today. Take advantage of these resources to make your energy bills more affordable. For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the SDG&E website or call their customer service line.
