Are you finding it difficult to manage your household expenses, especially your natural gas bills? Southwest Gas understands the challenges faced by low-income households in California. That’s why they offer the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, designed to provide significant discounts on your natural gas bills. If you’re looking for ways to ease your financial burden and maintain essential services, understanding the Southwest Gas Care Program could be a game-changer.
Understanding the Southwest Gas CARE Program
The Southwest Gas CARE program is a state-mandated initiative in California aimed at assisting income-qualified households with their energy expenses. Enrolling in CARE can lead to a substantial 20% discount on your monthly natural gas bill. This discount is designed to make energy more affordable for those who need it most, ensuring access to essential natural gas services without straining household budgets.
Who is Eligible for the Southwest Gas CARE Program?
Eligibility for the Southwest Gas CARE program is primarily based on your household income and participation in certain public assistance programs. You may qualify for CARE if your total gross household income falls at or below the limits specified in the table below. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are valid through May 31, 2025.
CARE Income Guidelines (Effective Until May 31, 2025)
| 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 thresholds, you can also qualify for the Southwest Gas CARE program if you are currently enrolled in any of the following public assistance 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 automatically qualifies you for CARE, simplifying the application process and ensuring that those already receiving assistance can also benefit from reduced energy costs.
How to Apply for the Southwest Gas CARE Program
Applying for the Southwest Gas CARE program is straightforward. To get started and receive an application form, you have several convenient options:
- Visit the Southwest Gas Website: The most direct way to access information and application forms is through the Southwest Gas website. Navigate to their “Special Programs” or “Assistance Programs” section to find details about CARE and download the application.
- Contact Southwest Gas Customer Service: You can also request an application form and ask any questions you may have by calling Southwest Gas directly at 877-860-6020. Their customer service representatives can guide you through the process and provide clarification on eligibility requirements.
Other California CARE Programs
While this article focuses on the Southwest Gas CARE program, it’s important to know that similar CARE programs are available throughout California, offered by other utility companies. These programs provide similar discounts on energy bills to eligible low-income customers within their service areas. Here’s a quick overview of other utility companies offering CARE programs:
| Utility | Website |
|---|---|
| PG&E | CARE |
| Edison | CARE |
| SDG&E | CARE |
| SoCalGas | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | CARE |
| West Coast Gas | CARE |
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
In addition to CARE, California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits. FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. If your income is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking if you qualify for FERA to receive assistance with your electricity costs.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective Until 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 |
Conclusion
The Southwest Gas CARE program is a valuable resource for eligible low-income households in California, offering a significant discount on natural gas bills. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take advantage of this program to reduce your energy expenses. Don’t hesitate to contact Southwest Gas or visit their website to learn more and apply. Take control of your energy costs today and see if the CARE program can make a difference for your household budget.
