Are you a California resident struggling to manage your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to provide significant relief to low-income households, making energy more affordable. This state-sponsored initiative offers substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas, helping eligible customers maintain essential services without financial strain.
Who Qualifies for the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is specifically for customers who meet certain income guidelines or participate in specific public assistance programs. If your household income falls at or below the limits outlined below, you may be eligible for considerable savings on your energy bills.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs can also automatically qualify 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)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 are very likely eligible for the CARE program and should apply to start receiving discounted energy rates.
What are the Benefits of the CARE Program?
Enrolling in the CARE program can lead to substantial savings on your monthly utility expenses. Participants typically receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can significantly reduce the financial burden of energy costs, allowing families to allocate their budgets to other essential needs.
The level of discount on electricity can vary slightly depending on the size of the utility company serving your area. Larger electrical corporations offer the higher 30-35% discount, while smaller ones provide a 20% discount. Regardless, the CARE program provides meaningful financial assistance.
How to Apply for the California CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages CARE applications for its customers. You can reach out to them via phone or through their website to request an application form and gather more detailed information.
The table below provides contact information and website links for major utility companies in California to help you easily access the CARE program application process:
| 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 |
In addition to contacting your utility directly, application forms are also frequently available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families. These agencies can often provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
Understanding the FERA Program: An Additional Assistance Option
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another helpful program known as the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households. It’s important to note that FERA is specifically for electricity and is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it an accessible option for families with slightly higher incomes who still need assistance managing energy costs.
| 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 you believe your household income might be slightly too high for CARE but still need help with your electric bills, exploring the FERA program is highly recommended. Contact your electric utility provider to determine your eligibility and learn how to apply.
Take Action and Lower Your Energy Bills Today
The California CARE program and FERA program are valuable resources for eligible residents looking to reduce their energy expenses. By taking advantage of these programs, you can make your energy bills more manageable and free up your budget for other essential needs. Reach out to your utility company today to learn more about the CARE program and start your application process. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to save money and ensure affordable energy for your household.
