Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California struggling to afford your energy bills? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which offers significant discounts on your monthly electricity and natural gas costs. This program is designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy expenses, ensuring access to essential utilities.
The CARE program provides a discount of 30-35% on electric bills and 20% on natural gas bills for enrolled customers. This can substantially lower your utility costs, making your energy bills more manageable. Signing up for the PG&E CARE program can provide much-needed financial relief.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state-mandated program created by the California Public Utilities Commission to assist low-income customers with their energy expenses. It is funded through a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, ensuring that those who need assistance receive it. PG&E, along with other California utility companies, administers this program to eligible customers within their service areas.
The primary benefit of the CARE program is a significant discount on your monthly utility bills. Specifically, customers receive a 30-35% discount on their electricity bills and a 20% discount on their natural gas bills. These discounts are designed to make energy more affordable for eligible households, helping them maintain essential services without facing undue financial hardship.
Checking Your Eligibility for PG&E CARE
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are 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 |
Alt text: CARE income guidelines table for 2024-2025 showing income limits based on household size for PG&E customers.
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program based on income.
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in any of the following programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 meet the eligibility criteria for PG&E CARE.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Signing up for the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. PG&E provides multiple avenues for application to ensure accessibility for all customers. Here’s how you can apply:
1. Online Application:
The easiest and quickest way to apply is through the PG&E website. Visit the PG&E CARE program website and look for the online application form. The online form will guide you through the necessary steps, asking for information about your household size, income, and whether you participate in any qualifying public assistance programs.
2. Phone Application:
If you prefer to apply over the phone or need assistance with the application process, you can contact PG&E directly. Call PG&E at 866-743-2273 and request a CARE program application. A PG&E representative will guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
3. Application through Community Agencies:
PG&E partners with numerous community-based organizations and agencies that can assist you with the CARE application process. These agencies often provide in-person assistance and can help you gather the necessary documentation. Contacting a local community agency can be particularly helpful if you need personalized support or have questions about your eligibility.
Required Information:
Regardless of how you apply, you will typically need to provide the following information:
- Your PG&E account number.
- The names and number of people living in your household.
- Your household income information or proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
Other Assistance Programs: FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a smaller discount of 18% on your electricity bill.
| 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 |
Alt text: FERA income guidelines table comparing income limits for CARE and FERA programs for PG&E customers.
FERA is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Contact your utility provider to inquire about FERA if you believe your income may qualify.
Take Action Today
If you are a PG&E customer and think you might be eligible for the CARE program, don’t hesitate to apply. The program is designed to help you save money on your energy bills and make your household budget more manageable. Visit the PG&E CARE website or call 866-743-2273 to start your application today and take advantage of the financial assistance available to you.
