Are you struggling to afford your energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for eligible residents. If you’re looking for ways to save on your utility bills, understanding how to apply for the California CARE program is the first step.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program provides substantial discounts to help eligible customers manage their energy costs. Specifically, if you qualify and enroll in CARE, 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 significant difference in your monthly expenses, allowing you to allocate your budget to other essential needs.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program is designed to support those with limited financial resources. You can qualify for CARE either through meeting specific income guidelines or by participating in certain public assistance programs.
Income Guidelines for CARE
To be income-eligible for CARE, your total household income must be at or below the following limits. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are currently effective through May 31, 2025.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household size and income fall within these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program based on income.
Eligibility Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the guidelines, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in any of the following public assistance programs:
- 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 qualifies you for the California CARE program, regardless of your specific income level (as long as you are within the income limits for the qualifying public assistance program).
How to Apply for the California CARE Program
Applying for the California CARE program is a straightforward process. The primary way to apply is by contacting your utility company directly. Each utility company in California that is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) administers the CARE program for its customers.
Contact Your Utility Company
To begin your application, you need to reach out to your energy utility provider. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program from them. Many utility companies also allow you to apply online through their websites, making the process even more convenient.
Here is a list of major utility companies in California, along 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 |
You can find your utility provider’s name and contact information on your energy bill. Visit their website or call the provided number to inquire about the CARE program and request an application.
Application Forms and Assistance
Application forms for the CARE program are available directly from your utility company. You can typically download them from their website, request to have one mailed to you, or even complete the application online in some cases.
In addition to utility companies, numerous community agencies also distribute CARE application forms and can provide assistance with the application process. These agencies are familiar with the CARE program and can help you understand the requirements and complete the necessary paperwork.
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 provides 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.
| 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 |
Contact your electric utility company to determine if your family qualifies for the FERA program.
Conclusion
The California CARE program and the FERA program are vital resources for low- and moderate-income families in California struggling with energy costs. By applying for the CARE program, you can significantly reduce your electricity and natural gas bills, making your energy expenses more manageable. Take the first step today by contacting your utility company to learn more and begin your application. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to save money and ease your financial burden through these helpful California energy assistance programs.
