The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re struggling to afford your electric and natural gas bills, CARE could provide significant relief. This state-wide initiative offers substantial discounts to make energy more affordable.
What is the CARE Program?
The CARE program provides a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for qualifying customers. This discount can significantly lower your monthly expenses, ensuring access to essential energy services without financial strain. It’s funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, making it a community effort to support those in need.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are as follows:
| 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 |
These income limits are effective until May 31, 2025, and may be adjusted annually to reflect inflation.
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
To apply for the CARE program, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility manages its own CARE enrollment process. Here are contact details and website links for major California utilities:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Southern California Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Natural Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Electric | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
Note for LADWP Customers: While the utilities listed above are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is a municipal utility and is not directly listed under these programs. However, LADWP often offers similar assistance programs for its customers. If you are an LADWP customer, it is highly recommended to visit the LADWP website or contact their customer service directly to inquire about their low-income assistance programs and potential bill discounts. Search for “LADWP assistance programs” or “LADWP bill discounts” to find relevant information.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program is available. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
| Household Size | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 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 is slightly above the CARE guidelines, explore the FERA program to see if you qualify for additional support.
Conclusion
The California CARE program and similar initiatives like FERA are vital resources for low-income households in California. By providing substantial discounts on energy bills, these programs help ensure that everyone has access to essential energy services. If you believe you may be eligible for CARE or FERA, reach out to your utility provider today to learn more and begin the application process. And remember, if you are an LADWP customer, check directly with LADWP for their specific assistance programs.
