Are you struggling with high utility bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible low-income households reduce their energy costs. This state-sponsored initiative offers significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas, making energy more affordable for those who qualify.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program provides a substantial discount to income-qualified customers on their monthly utility bills. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. This financial relief can make a significant difference for families and individuals with limited incomes, ensuring access to essential energy services. The program is funded through a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, demonstrating a collective effort to support vulnerable communities.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the limits outlined in the table below, you are likely eligible to apply. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective until May 31, 2025.
| 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, 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for the CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program?
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The best way to start is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program enrollment. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program from them. Many utility companies also offer online applications through their websites, making it even easier to apply.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major utility providers in California to help you find the CARE program information quickly:
| 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 |
You can also find application forms and assistance through numerous community agencies throughout California. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees the CARE program and provides resources through the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) for further information and support.
What is the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another option for reducing electricity costs. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA eligibility if your income is slightly above the CARE guidelines.
Conclusion
The CARE program is a vital resource for low-income Californians, providing crucial financial assistance to manage energy expenses. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, you can take advantage of this program and significantly lower your utility bills. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility provider today to learn more and apply for the CARE program. Affordable energy is within reach!
