The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to assist low-income households in managing their energy expenses. Administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), along with other utility providers in California, CARE offers substantial discounts on monthly electricity and natural gas bills. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring that essential energy services remain affordable for vulnerable populations.
What is the PG&E CARE Program?
The CARE program provides eligible customers with a significant reduction in their utility costs. Specifically, enrollees benefit from a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. These discounts are funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, reflecting a collective effort to support those in need.
This financial assistance is critical for households struggling to make ends meet, allowing them to allocate their limited resources to other essential needs such as food, housing, and healthcare. The program is not just a discount; it’s a lifeline for many California residents.
Who Qualifies for PG&E CARE?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program utilizes income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, 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 |
Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies a household for CARE. 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
This broad range of qualifying criteria ensures that the CARE program is accessible to a wide spectrum of low-income individuals and families across California.
How to Apply for PG&E CARE and Other Utility Programs
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. Interested individuals can request an application form directly from PG&E or through various community agencies. PG&E’s website also provides detailed information and online application options.
For those who do not qualify for CARE due to slightly exceeding the income limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for assistance. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
To explore these programs and determine eligibility, contacting your utility provider directly is the most effective step. Here are the contact details for major California utilities offering CARE and related assistance:
| 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 |
The Impact of CARE and Enrollment Numbers
While precise, real-time data on the exact number of people registered in the PG&E CARE program is dynamic and may not be publicly available, the program’s significance is undeniable. Millions of Californians are served by PG&E, and a substantial portion of eligible low-income households are enrolled in CARE. This widespread participation underscores the program’s effectiveness in reaching and supporting a large segment of the population.
The Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) advises the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on low-income assistance programs, further highlighting the state’s commitment to these initiatives. Through CARE and FERA, California demonstrates a strong dedication to ensuring energy affordability for all its residents, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
If you believe you may be eligible for the PG&E CARE program or FERA, reaching out to PG&E is the first step towards accessing these valuable benefits.
