Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-wide initiative designed to assist eligible low-income customers with their energy expenses. It provides substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This can lead to significant savings throughout the year, helping families manage their household budgets more effectively.
Eligibility for CARE: Income and Public Assistance
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits 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 |
Beyond income, you may 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
How to Check Your PG&E CARE Enrollment Status
If you are a PG&E customer and want to confirm whether you are enrolled in the CARE program, there are a couple of straightforward methods you can use:
1. Review Your PG&E Bill
The easiest way to check your CARE enrollment is by looking at your PG&E bill. Typically, if you are enrolled in CARE, you will see a line item on your bill indicating the CARE discount. Look for terms like “CARE discount” or “California Alternate Rates for Energy” within the charges and discounts section of your statement. This is a quick and simple way to get immediate confirmation.
2. Contact PG&E Directly
For definitive confirmation or if you cannot easily locate the information on your bill, contacting PG&E directly is recommended. You can reach PG&E customer service through the following channels:
- Phone: Call PG&E’s dedicated CARE program line at 866-743-2273. Be prepared to provide your account information so they can quickly check your enrollment status.
- Website: Visit the PG&E website and navigate to their CARE program page. While direct enrollment status might not be immediately visible online, you can often find contact forms or live chat options to inquire about your account. The direct link to the PG&E CARE program is: CARE Program Information.
By contacting PG&E, you can receive accurate and up-to-date information about your CARE program enrollment and any potential benefits you are receiving.
Additional Energy Assistance: The FERA Program
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. This program is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If you believe your income falls within the FERA guidelines and you are not enrolled in CARE, it’s worth inquiring about FERA when you contact PG&E.
Conclusion
Understanding your enrollment in the PG&E CARE program is crucial for managing your energy costs. By checking your bill or contacting PG&E directly, you can quickly determine your status and ensure you are receiving the discounts you are eligible for. Take advantage of these valuable programs to make your energy bills more affordable. For further information or to apply for the CARE or FERA programs, visit the PG&E website or call their customer service line today.
