The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re a customer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in California and struggling with your energy bills, the CARE program could provide significant relief. This program offers a substantial discount on both your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable. But who exactly is eligible for the California PG&E CARE program? Let’s break down the eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program and Eligibility
The CARE program is a state-wide initiative in California that offers income-qualified households a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bills and 20 percent on their natural gas bills. Specifically for PG&E customers, this means substantial savings on your monthly energy expenses. Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on two key factors: household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs.
Income Guidelines for PG&E CARE Eligibility
One of the main pathways to qualify for the PG&E CARE program is through meeting specific income limits. These income limits are updated annually and are based on household size. As of June 1, 2024, the income eligibility upper limits are as follows:
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
If your total gross annual household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the PG&E CARE program based on income. It’s important to note that these income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and may be subject to change in the future.
Automatic Enrollment Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income is slightly above the stated limits, you may still be eligible for the PG&E CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a household’s need for financial assistance, and automatic enrollment in CARE is often available for participants of the following programs:
- 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 can automatically qualify you for the PG&E CARE discount, regardless of your specific income level (as long as you meet the income requirements for those programs).
What if You Don’t Qualify for CARE? Consider FERA
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances, there is another program to consider: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a lower discount of 18% on electricity bills, but has higher income limits. FERA is available to PG&E customers, as well as customers of Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If your income is too high for CARE but falls within these FERA income limits, you may still be able to receive assistance with your energy bills.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
To apply for the PG&E CARE program and start saving on your energy bills, you have several options. The easiest way is often to apply online through the PG&E website. You can also request an application form by contacting PG&E directly.
Contact PG&E for CARE Program Applications and Information:
- Phone: 866-743-2273
- Website: CARE Program Information
Don’t struggle with high energy bills if you are eligible for assistance. Check your income and public assistance program enrollment today to see if you qualify for the California PG&E CARE program and start saving.
