Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households save money on their electricity and natural gas expenses. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for eligible customers. This guide will explain how to apply for the CARE program and start saving.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program provides a substantial discount on your utility bills. If you’re enrolled, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in your monthly budget, helping you manage your essential expenses more effectively. The program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Checking Your Eligibility for the CARE Program
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on your household income. The program uses income limits that are updated annually. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, as shown in the table below:
| 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 currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. 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
If you meet either the income guidelines or participate in one of these programs, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for CARE
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
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Identify Your Utility Company: Determine which utility company provides your electricity and/or natural gas service. This is usually indicated on your energy bill.
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Contact Your Utility Company: The easiest way to apply is to contact your utility company directly. You can reach them by phone or through their website. Most utility companies have dedicated sections on their websites for assistance programs like CARE.
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Request an Application: Ask for the CARE program application form. You can typically download the form online from your utility company’s website or request to have it mailed to you.
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Complete the Application: Fill out the application form accurately and completely. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially documentation to verify your eligibility, such as proof of income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
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Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the application, submit it to your utility company. Follow the submission instructions provided on the application form or on their website. This might involve mailing it in or submitting it online.
Utility Company Contact Information for CARE Applications
To make the application process easier, here is a list of major California utility companies with their contact information and website links where you can find more information about CARE and application forms:
| 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 |
Exploring Additional Assistance: The FERA Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA eligibility if your income is slightly above the CARE limits.
Start Saving Today
The California CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households looking to lower their energy bills. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the simple application steps, you can access significant discounts and make your energy expenses more manageable. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company today to learn more and begin your application process.
