Are you a low-income resident in California struggling with your energy bills? You might be wondering, “Can I apply online for the CARE program?” The answer is yes! The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers substantial discounts to eligible households, making energy more affordable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CARE program and how to apply online, ensuring you can access the financial relief you deserve.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is designed to help income-qualified households in California manage their energy costs. If you’re enrolled, you’ll receive a significant discount on your monthly utility bills. Specifically, CARE provides a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This can make a real difference in your household budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential needs.
This program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Participating utilities include major providers like PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric, as well as smaller regional companies.
Eligibility for the CARE Program
To qualify for the CARE program, your household income must be at or below certain limits. These income guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are as follows:
CARE Income Guidelines* (Effective June 1, 2024 to 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income limits, you can also qualify for CARE if you or a member of your household is 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you automatically meet the eligibility criteria for CARE, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply Online for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program online is a straightforward process. The easiest way to apply is directly through your utility company’s website. Most major California utility providers offer online CARE applications. Here’s how you can typically apply:
- Visit Your Utility Provider’s Website: Find the website for your energy utility company. You can use the table below for quick links to the CARE program pages of major providers.
- Navigate to the CARE Program Section: Look for sections like “Assistance Programs,” “Save Money,” “Billing Support,” or specifically “CARE Program.”
- Find the Online Application: Once you’re on the CARE program page, look for a button or link that says “Apply Now,” “Online Application,” or similar.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form. You will likely need to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program if applicable.
- Submit Your Application: Review your application for accuracy and submit it electronically through the website.
After submitting your application, your utility company will review it to determine your eligibility. You will be notified of the outcome, and if approved, the CARE discount will be applied to your future energy bills.
Contact Information for Utility Companies and CARE Program Websites
For your convenience, here’s a table with contact information and direct links to the CARE program pages for major California utility providers:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | PG&E CARE |
| Southern California Edison | 866-675-6623 | SCE CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | SDG&E CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | SoCalGas CARE |
| Alpine Natural Gas | 209-772-3006 | Alpine Natural Gas Programs |
| Bear Valley Electric | 800-808-2837 | Bear Valley Electric CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | PacifiCorp Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | Liberty Utilities CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Southwest Gas Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | West Coast Gas CARE |
Family Electric Rate Assistance (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 provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective through May 31, 2025)
| Household Size | 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 you think you might qualify for FERA, contact your electric utility company to learn more and apply.
Conclusion
The CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income California residents seeking to reduce their energy bills. And yes, applying online for the CARE program is absolutely possible and often the most convenient method. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can make your energy costs more manageable. Visit your utility provider’s website today to explore the CARE program and start your online application. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company directly if you have any questions or need further assistance.
