Are you finding it challenging to keep up with your energy bills? You might be relieved to know about the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative is designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. Specifically, if you qualify for CARE, you could receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. Understanding how much income qualifies you for the CARE program is the first step to accessing these benefits.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The California CARE program is a state-sponsored initiative dedicated to assisting eligible low-income customers with their energy costs. It works by offering substantial discounts on monthly electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for those who qualify. This program is crucial for residents struggling to balance essential expenses, ensuring access to necessary utilities without causing financial strain.
Income Eligibility for CARE
Eligibility for the CARE program is largely based on your household income. The program sets specific income limits that households must be at or below to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025. Below is a detailed breakdown of the income guidelines:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To determine if you qualify, find your household size in the left column and check if your total household income falls at or below the corresponding income limit. Remember, these figures represent the upper limit of income eligibility.
Other Ways to Qualify – Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income is slightly above the stated limits, you might still be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. California recognizes that participation in these programs indicates financial need, automatically qualifying you for CARE. These qualifying 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 can serve as automatic qualification for the CARE program, regardless of your specific income level within reasonable limits.
Utility Company Contacts and Websites
To apply for the CARE program or to get more detailed information, it’s essential to contact your utility company directly. Each utility provider has dedicated resources and application processes for the CARE program. Here is a list of major California utility companies with their contact information and website links to their 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 |
Visiting the websites listed or calling the provided numbers will give you access to application forms and further details about the CARE program.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Here are the income limits for the FERA program, also 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 |
If your income is slightly too high for CARE but falls within the FERA limits, you should explore the FERA program as a valuable alternative for energy bill assistance.
Conclusion
Understanding the income thresholds for the California CARE program is crucial for accessing potential energy bill savings. By reviewing the income guidelines and considering eligibility through public assistance programs, you can determine if you qualify for CARE. We encourage you to reach out to your utility company using the contact information provided to start your application process and learn about any other assistance programs that might be available to you. For additional oversight and information on low-income assistance programs, you can also refer to the California Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB).
