Are you a California resident struggling with high energy costs? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households save money on their electricity and natural gas bills. This state-sponsored initiative offers significant discounts to make energy more affordable for those who need it most.
The CARE program provides a substantial discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills. This can lead to significant savings for eligible households, helping to ease the burden of monthly expenses.
To find out if you qualify for the California Care Program and to apply, it’s essential to contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with application forms and detailed information about the program requirements. Many utility companies also have dedicated CARE program pages on their websites, offering online resources and application options.
Below is a table listing major California utility providers with contact information and website links to their CARE program pages:
| 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 |
CARE Program Income Guidelines: Are You Eligible?
Eligibility for the California CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program uses income thresholds to determine qualification, ensuring that assistance reaches those with the greatest financial need.
The current income limits are effective through May 31, 2025. It’s important to note that these income guidelines are updated periodically, often annually, to reflect changes in the cost of living and economic conditions. Always check the most recent guidelines to confirm your eligibility.
Here are the income limits for the CARE program:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the California CARE program.
Additional Pathways to CARE Program Eligibility
Beyond income qualifications, you may also be eligible for the California CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that individuals already receiving aid through other channels can also access energy bill relief.
Qualifying public assistance 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 California CARE program, simplifying the application process and ensuring broader access to energy assistance.
Understanding CARE Program Discounts and Funding
The discount offered through the California CARE program is significant, providing substantial relief on monthly energy bills. For larger electrical corporations (those with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California), the discount is between 30% and 35% on electricity bills. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. All participating utilities provide a 20% discount on natural gas bills.
It’s important to understand that the California CARE program is funded through a rate surcharge paid by all other utility customers. This means that the program is a collective effort, supported by the broader community to assist low-income households with their energy needs.
The income limits for the CARE program are reviewed and potentially adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation and changes in economic conditions. This ensures that the program remains relevant and effective in supporting those who need it most.
For further information or to request an application for the California CARE program, reach out to your utility company directly. They are your best resource for program-specific details and application assistance.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program for families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households served by Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA serves as a supplementary program, extending energy assistance to households that are just above the CARE income thresholds but still face financial challenges in managing energy costs.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
If your income falls within the FERA guidelines and you are a customer of one of the specified utilities, contact your electric utility company to learn more about applying for the FERA program.
For comprehensive information on the California CARE program, the FERA program, and other energy assistance options, please contact your utility company. They can provide tailored guidance and support to help you access the programs for which you are eligible.
