Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California struggling to manage your energy bills? You might be relieved to know about the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative is designed to provide substantial discounts to eligible low-income households, making energy more affordable. Let’s delve into how much the PG&E CARE program can actually save you.
Understanding the Savings with PG&E CARE
The PG&E CARE program offers a significant reduction in your monthly energy expenses. Specifically, if you qualify and enroll, you can receive a 30 to 35 percent discount on your electric bill. Furthermore, the program also extends savings to natural gas bills, providing a 20 percent discount. These discounts are designed to ease the financial burden of energy costs for those who need it most, ensuring access to essential utilities.
These savings can make a real difference in household budgets, freeing up funds for other necessities such as food, healthcare, and housing. The percentage-based discount means that as energy prices fluctuate, your savings will adjust accordingly, consistently providing significant relief.
Who Qualifies for PG&E CARE Discounts?
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program is tailored for customers whose total household income falls at or below specific income limits. As of May 31, 2025, the income thresholds are structured 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 |
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you automatically meet one of the eligibility criteria for CARE, regardless of your specific income level within the program limits.
Applying for the PG&E CARE Program
To benefit from these significant savings, you need to apply for the PG&E CARE program. The most direct way to start your application process and gather more detailed information is to contact PG&E directly.
You can reach PG&E’s dedicated assistance line at 866-743-2273. Alternatively, for online resources and application forms, you can visit the official PG&E CARE program website: CARE Program.
PG&E’s website provides comprehensive details about the program, eligibility verification, and the application process. It’s a valuable resource to understand all aspects of CARE and to ensure you have all the necessary information to apply successfully.
Exploring Additional Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option to explore: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. While CARE is for lower-income households, FERA is designed to assist families with slightly higher income levels who still need help managing their electricity costs.
FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s important to note that FERA is specifically for electricity discounts and is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are different from CARE, allowing for slightly higher household incomes to qualify. For instance, as of May 31, 2025, a household of 3 can qualify for FERA with an income up to $64,550, while the CARE limit for the same household size is $51,640.
To find out if your family qualifies for FERA and to apply, it is recommended to contact your electric utility provider directly.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Savings Programs
The PG&E CARE program, along with FERA, represents a crucial safety net for California residents struggling with energy costs. By providing substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, CARE ensures that essential energy services are more accessible and affordable for low-income households. If you believe you might be eligible for CARE or FERA, reaching out to PG&E or checking their website is the first step towards potentially significant savings and greater financial stability.
