The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to help low-income households manage their utility bills. If you’re wondering, Does Gas Care Program Cover Just Energy? The answer is no. CARE provides substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills for eligible customers in California.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-run initiative focused on easing the energy burden for eligible low-income customers. It recognizes that energy costs can represent a significant portion of household expenses, and aims to make these essential services more affordable. Through CARE, qualified households receive a discount on their monthly energy bills, helping to ensure access to consistent and reliable energy.
Who is Eligible for CARE?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. There are specific income limits that households must meet to qualify, which are updated regularly to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of the latest update, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025.
CARE Income Guidelines
The following table outlines the income eligibility upper limits for the CARE program based on household size:
| 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies a household for CARE. This ensures that those already receiving support can also benefit from reduced energy costs.
Public Assistance Programs for CARE Eligibility
Customers enrolled in the following public assistance programs are also eligible for CARE:
- 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
How Much Discount Can You Get with CARE?
The CARE program provides significant discounts to help lower your energy bills. For electricity, customers can receive a discount ranging from 30 to 35 percent. For natural gas bills, the discount is 20 percent. The specific electricity discount percentage can vary slightly depending on the size of the utility company serving your area.
How to Apply for CARE
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The primary way to apply is by contacting your utility company directly. Each utility company in California that is regulated by the Commission participates in the CARE program and can provide you with application forms and detailed information. Many utility companies also offer online applications through their websites.
Utility Contact Information for CARE Enrollment
To get started with your CARE application, reach out to your energy provider using the contact information provided below. Their websites also offer comprehensive details about the CARE program and other assistance options.
| 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 |
What About the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) 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 specifically on electricity bills. It’s designed as an additional tier of support for households who may not qualify for CARE but still need assistance managing energy costs. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Income Guidelines
The income limits for the FERA program are higher than those for CARE, reflecting its role in assisting a broader range of low-to-moderate income families. The following table shows the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
Conclusion
California’s CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for residents struggling to afford their energy bills. CARE offers discounts on both gas and electricity, while FERA provides electricity bill assistance for families with slightly higher incomes. If you believe you may be eligible for either of these programs, contacting your utility company is the first step towards accessing these helpful benefits and making your energy costs more manageable.
