Are you struggling to keep up with your Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) energy bills? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, a state initiative designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who need it most. This guide will walk you through how to apply for the PG&E CARE program and start saving on your energy costs.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program and Its Benefits
The CARE program provides a substantial discount on your utility bills. Specifically, if you are enrolled in CARE, you’ll receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill from PG&E. These discounts can significantly ease the financial burden of energy costs, allowing families to allocate their resources to other essential needs.
Who is Eligible for the PG&E CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the income limits outlined below, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
| 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 can 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)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 participate in any of these programs, you automatically meet the eligibility criteria for CARE.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. PG&E offers multiple ways to apply, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Here are the primary methods:
-
Apply Online: The easiest and fastest way to apply is through the PG&E website.
- Visit the PG&E CARE Program website.
- Look for the “Apply Now” or “Enroll Now” button, which will typically lead you to an online application form.
- Fill out the application form accurately, providing all required information about your household income and any qualifying public assistance programs you participate in.
- Submit the online application.
-
Apply by Phone: You can also apply for the CARE program by phone.
- Call PG&E’s dedicated assistance line at 866-743-2273.
- Inform the representative that you would like to apply for the CARE program.
- The representative will guide you through the application process, asking you the necessary questions to determine your eligibility and complete your application over the phone.
-
Apply by Mail: If you prefer to apply by mail, you can download an application form from the PG&E website or request one to be mailed to you.
- Visit the PG&E CARE Program website and look for a downloadable CARE application form, often in PDF format.
- Alternatively, call PG&E at 866-743-2273 and request a CARE application form to be mailed to your address.
- Once you receive the form, fill it out completely and accurately.
- Mail the completed application form to the address provided on the form or on the PG&E website.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (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 a smaller discount of 18% on your electricity bill. It is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
| 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 |
For more detailed information about FERA and to check your eligibility, contact PG&E or visit their website.
Get Started with Your Application Today
The PG&E CARE program is a valuable resource for income-qualified households in California, offering significant savings on energy bills. By applying for the CARE program, you can reduce your monthly expenses and ensure access to affordable energy. Don’t wait – determine your eligibility and apply today to start benefiting from these savings. For any questions or further assistance, reach out to PG&E directly through their website or phone line.
PG&E Contact Information for CARE Program:
- Phone: 866-743-2273
- Website: https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/save-energy-money/help-paying-your-bill/longer-term-assistance/care/care.page
