Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California looking for ways to lower your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly expenses on electricity and natural gas. This program offers significant discounts to make energy more affordable. Let’s delve into the details of the PG&E CARE program discount amount and eligibility.
PG&E CARE Program: Significant Savings for Eligible Households
The CARE program provides a substantial discount on your utility bills. Specifically, for PG&E customers enrolled in CARE, you can expect to receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in your monthly budget, helping you manage your energy costs more effectively.
Who Qualifies for the PG&E CARE Discount? Income Guidelines
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program is intended to support low-income customers. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and 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 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program discount.
Additional Qualification Pathways for CARE
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are currently 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 the CARE program, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program and Other Utilities
To apply for the CARE program and start receiving your discount, you should contact your utility company directly. For PG&E, you can visit their CARE program website for application forms and detailed information.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for various utility companies in California offering the CARE program:
| 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 |
Simply click on the CARE link next to your utility provider to access their dedicated CARE program page and begin the application process.
Understanding the Discount Variation
It’s important to note that while the standard discount for larger electrical corporations like PG&E is 30-35%, some smaller electrical corporations in California with fewer than 100,000 customer accounts offer a 20% discount. Regardless of the exact percentage, the CARE program provides valuable financial relief to eligible customers across the state.
Explore the FERA Program for Additional Assistance
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 an 18% discount on your electricity bill for households with slightly higher income levels. Contact your utility company to inquire about FERA eligibility and application.
Take Action and Save on Your Energy Bills
The California CARE program, and specifically the PG&E CARE program, offers a significant discount amount to help eligible low-income customers manage their energy expenses. If you believe you qualify, don’t hesitate to reach out to PG&E or your utility provider today to learn more and apply. Start saving money on your energy bills and take advantage of the assistance available to you.
