The cost of living in San Diego, California, can be notably high, especially when it comes to utility bills. Fortunately, for eligible low-income households, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) offers the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative provides significant discounts on your energy bills, helping to ease financial burdens. If you’re looking for ways to lower your monthly expenses, understanding the SDGE CARE program could be highly beneficial.
What is the SDGE CARE Program?
The SDGE CARE program is a state-mandated program designed to assist income-qualified households in managing their energy costs. Participants in the CARE program receive a substantial discount on their monthly utility bills. Specifically, this translates to a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills for SDGE customers. These discounts can make a real difference in your household budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
This program is funded through a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, ensuring support for those who need it most. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees these programs, ensuring fair and equitable access for eligible residents.
Who is Eligible for the SDGE CARE Program in San Diego?
Eligibility for the SDGE CARE program is primarily based on household income. There are two main ways to qualify:
1. Income-Based Eligibility:
Your household income must be at or below the specified income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines 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 |
These income limits are effective through May 31, 2025.
If your household size and income fall within these limits, you are likely eligible for the SDGE CARE program.
2. Public Assistance Program Enrollment:
Even if your income slightly exceeds the guidelines, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial assistance and automatically qualify you for CARE. Qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically makes you eligible for the SDGE CARE program, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply for the SDGE CARE Program in San Diego
Applying for the SDGE CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can get started:
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Visit the SDGE Website: The easiest way to begin the application process is to visit the official SDGE website. Navigate to the “Pay Bill & Get Payment Assistance” section.
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Find the CARE Program Page: Look for the CARE program link within the payment assistance section. SDGE’s website provides detailed information about the program and the application process.
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Complete the Application: You can typically apply online directly through the SDGE website. The application will require you to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially enrollment in qualifying public assistance programs.
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Contact SDGE Directly: If you prefer to apply offline or have questions, you can contact SDGE customer service directly at 800-411-7343. They can provide application forms, answer your questions, and guide you through the process.
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Community Agencies: Application assistance may also be available through various community agencies in San Diego. These agencies are familiar with the CARE program and can provide support with the application process.
Other SDGE Assistance Programs: FERA
In addition to CARE, SDGE also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is designed for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines but still need help managing electricity costs.
FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of families. Here are the FERA income guidelines effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 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 above the CARE limits but within the FERA limits, you should explore the FERA program to see if you qualify for electricity bill discounts.
Conclusion
The SDGE CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households in San Diego seeking to reduce their energy expenses. By providing substantial discounts on electricity and natural gas bills, CARE helps make energy more affordable and eases the financial strain on eligible families. If you believe you may qualify for CARE or FERA, take the time to explore these programs and apply. Reducing your utility bills can significantly improve your financial well-being and ensure access to essential energy services. Contact SDGE today to learn more and start your application.
