Are you a resident of California struggling with your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program PGE is here to help. This state-initiated program offers significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible low-income households. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your monthly expenses, understanding the CARE program and how it works with providers like PG&E could be crucial.
What is the CARE Program?
The CARE program is designed to assist low-income customers in California by providing discounts on their utility bills. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These substantial savings can make a real difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
Eligibility for the CARE Program
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program uses income guidelines that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of [insert current date based on original article – assuming after June 1, 2024], the income limits are effective through 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 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program with PG&E and Other Utilities
To apply for the CARE program, you need to contact your utility company directly. For PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) customers, applying is straightforward. You can visit the PG&E CARE program website for detailed information and application forms.
Each utility company regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) offers the CARE program. Here’s a quick guide to contacting some of the major utilities in California and their dedicated CARE program pages:
| 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 typically find application forms and detailed program information on each utility’s website. Don’t hesitate to contact them by phone for personalized assistance.
Understanding FERA: An Additional Assistance Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills and is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for FERA, also effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 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 income is slightly above the CARE limits but still within the FERA guidelines, be sure to inquire about this program when contacting your utility provider.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Assistance Programs
California’s CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for low- and moderate-income families seeking to manage their energy costs. Specifically, the Care Program Pge and similar programs offered by other utilities provide much-needed financial relief. By checking your eligibility and applying, you can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills and ensure consistent access to essential energy services. Contact your utility provider today to learn more and start saving.
