снизить расходы на электроэнергию и газ для домохозяйств с низким доходом в Калифорнии. Программа California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) предлагает значительные скидки на счета за электроэнергию и природный газ, помогая тем самым жителям штата с ограниченным бюджетом. Если вы живете в Калифорнии и испытываете трудности с оплатой коммунальных услуг, программа CARE может стать для вас выходом.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program?
The CARE program eligibility primarily hinges on two main factors: household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs. Let’s break down each of these qualifications to help you determine if you might be eligible.
Income Qualifications for CARE
To qualify based on income, your total household income must be at or below specific income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. As of [Effective Date – June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025], the income guidelines 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 from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025.
If your household income falls within these ranges, you meet one of the primary Care Program Qualifications.
Program Enrollment Qualifications
Even if your income exceeds the limits mentioned above, you may still qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in any of the following public assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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, regardless of your specific income level, making energy bill assistance accessible to a broader range of low-income households.
Understanding the CARE Discount
The CARE program provides substantial discounts on your energy bills. For larger electrical corporations (with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California), customers receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. These discounts can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, making energy more affordable.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
To apply for the CARE program and start saving on your energy bills, you need to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the process from their websites or by phone. Here’s a handy table with contact information for major California utilities:
| 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 |
Explore 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 avenue for energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Here are the income limits for FERA:
| 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 you think your household might qualify for FERA, contact your electric utility for more details.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of CARE and FERA
California’s CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for low-to-moderate income households seeking assistance with energy costs. By understanding the care program qualifications and exploring both CARE and FERA, you can take steps to reduce your utility bills and improve your financial well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider to learn more and apply for these valuable programs.
