The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re a resident of California struggling to afford your utility bills, CARE could provide significant relief. This state-sponsored initiative offers substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas services, making energy more affordable for eligible customers.
Understanding the CARE Program: Energy Bill Assistance for Californians
The CARE program provides a crucial financial cushion by offering a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This discount is directly applied to your monthly utility statement, reducing your overall energy expenses. It’s important to note that the specific discount for electricity (30% or 35%) depends on the size of your utility provider; larger providers offer the higher discount.
This program is funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring its sustainability and continued support for those who need it most. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees the program, working with various utility companies to deliver these benefits to eligible households.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program? Income Guidelines and Eligibility
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on your household income. The program utilizes income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are structured as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you or a member of your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 qualifies you for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program: Contact Your Utility Provider
To apply for the CARE program and begin receiving discounts on your energy bills, the first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility provider in California manages CARE applications for its customers.
You can request an application form and gather more detailed information by visiting your utility company’s website or calling their customer service line. Here is a list of major California utility providers with links to their CARE program pages and contact numbers:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
Application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for FERA, 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 |
If your household income falls within the FERA guidelines, contact your electric utility to inquire about eligibility and application procedures.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Assistance Programs
The CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for California residents struggling with energy costs. If you believe you may be eligible for either of these programs, reaching out to your utility provider is the crucial next step. By taking advantage of these assistance programs, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and make your household budget more manageable. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company today to learn more and apply.
