The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re wondering How Much Is The Care Program Discount, it offers significant savings to eligible customers on their electricity and natural gas bills. This guide breaks down the discount and other key aspects of the CARE program to help you understand and potentially benefit from it.
Understanding the CARE Discount: What You Can Save
For most major utility companies in California, the CARE program provides a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill. You’ll also receive a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This can substantially lower your monthly expenses, making energy more affordable for your household. It’s important to note that electrical corporations with fewer than 100,000 customer accounts in California offer a 20% discount on electricity.
To see the specific discount offered in your area, refer to the table below for contact information and website links to the major California utility providers:
| 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 |
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income. The program uses income guidelines that are updated annually. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are as follows:
| 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 are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The best way to start is by contacting your utility company directly. You can use the contact information provided in the table above to call them or visit their website. Utility websites usually have dedicated sections explaining the CARE program and providing online application forms.
Application forms are also often available through community agencies. These agencies can provide assistance with the application process and answer any questions you may have.
What About the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, you might still be eligible for savings through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are 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 |
Take Action and Save on Your Energy Bill
Understanding how much is the CARE program discount and whether you qualify is the first step to lowering your energy expenses. California’s CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for households looking to save money on their utility bills. Contact your utility provider today to learn more and apply for the program that best fits your needs. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to make your energy bills more manageable.
