Are you a California resident 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 electricity and natural gas expenses. As a content creator for carcodereader.store and an expert in auto repair, I understand the importance of saving money where you can. Let’s explore how the Care Electricity Program can make a significant difference in your household budget.
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to eligible customers, providing a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This program is a lifeline for many, ensuring access to essential energy services while alleviating financial strain.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Electricity Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring the program remains accessible to those who need it most.
Current Income Guidelines (Effective through 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, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies you for CARE. 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 can access the CARE discounts, further easing your monthly expenses.
How to Apply for the CARE Electricity Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed information specific to your service area. Many utility companies also offer online applications through their websites, making the process even more convenient.
You can reach out to the following utility providers in California to inquire about the CARE program and application process:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | Website for CARE Program |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE Program PG&E |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE Program Edison |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE Program SDG&E |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE Program SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | Programs Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE Program Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE Program Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE Program West Coast Gas |
In addition to contacting your utility, application forms are also available through various community agencies. These agencies are familiar with the CARE program and can provide assistance with the application process.
Understanding the Discount Structure
The discount percentage under the CARE program can vary slightly based on the size of the utility company. For larger electrical corporations (those with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California), the discount is mandated to be 30% – 35%. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. Regardless of the exact percentage, the savings are significant and can make a real difference in your monthly budget.
The CARE program is funded through a surcharge on the rates of other utility customers. This collective funding model ensures the sustainability of the program and its ability to support low-income households across California. Income limits are reviewed and potentially adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation and maintain the program’s effectiveness.
Explore Further Assistance with the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option to explore: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
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 your household income falls within these ranges, contacting your electric utility is the next step to determine your eligibility for FERA.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of the CARE Electricity Program
The California CARE Electricity Program is a valuable resource for eligible low-income households in California. By providing substantial discounts on electricity and natural gas bills, CARE helps to make energy more affordable and accessible. If you believe you may qualify, don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company or a local community agency to learn more and begin the application process. Take control of your energy expenses and explore the savings available through the CARE program today.
For further information on low-income energy assistance programs in California, you can also visit the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB), an advisory board to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
