Facing high energy bills in California? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. This program offers substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas, making energy more affordable for eligible residents. If you’re wondering how to apply for the California Energy Care Program, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have all the information you need to take advantage of this valuable assistance.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The California CARE program is a state-initiated program that provides significant discounts on your monthly utility bills. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can significantly reduce your household expenses, freeing up your budget for other essential needs. The CARE program is funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring support for those who need it most.
Eligibility Requirements for the CARE Program
To qualify for the CARE program, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, primarily based on your household income or enrollment in specific public assistance programs. You only need to meet one of these criteria to be eligible.
Income Guidelines: Your total household income must be at or below the income limits outlined below. These income limits are updated annually and are 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 |
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs: You are also automatically eligible for CARE if you are currently 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
This image displays a chart from SoCalGas, visually representing the CARE income guidelines, which are crucial for determining eligibility for the California Energy Care Program.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application:
Step 1: Identify and Contact Your Utility Company: The first step is to determine your utility provider for both electricity and natural gas. California has several utility companies, and you need to contact the one that services your area. Here are the contact details and website links for some of the major utility companies in California where you can find CARE applications and information:
| 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 |
Step 2: Obtain and Complete the Application Form: You can typically find the CARE application form on your utility company’s website, usually within the “Assistance Programs” or “Customer Support” sections. Alternatively, you can request an application form by calling your utility company’s customer service line. The application form will require you to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially your enrollment in qualifying public assistance programs.
Step 3: Submit Required Documentation (If Necessary): Depending on your application method and the utility company, you might need to submit documentation to verify your eligibility. This could include:
- Proof of Income: Pay stubs, tax returns, or other income verification documents.
- Proof of Enrollment in Public Assistance Program: Documentation showing your participation in a qualifying program, such as a benefits award letter or program ID card.
Check the specific requirements of your utility company to ensure you submit all necessary documents.
Step 4: Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered any required documentation, you can submit your application. Most utility companies offer several ways to submit your application:
- Online Submission: Many utilities allow you to submit your application and documents electronically through their website.
- Mail: You can mail your completed application and documents to the address provided by your utility company.
- In-Person: Some utility companies may allow in-person application submissions at customer service centers.
Step 5: Wait for Confirmation: After submitting your application, your utility company will review it to determine your eligibility. The processing time can vary. You will typically receive a notification by mail or email confirming whether your application has been approved or denied. If approved, the CARE discount will usually be applied to your bill within one to two billing cycles.
This image represents the step of gathering and reviewing necessary documents, a key part of successfully applying for the California Energy Care Program.
Tips for a Smooth CARE Application Process
- Gather Information in Advance: Before starting your application, gather all necessary information, including household income details and any public assistance program enrollment information.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Carefully read the application instructions provided by your utility company to ensure you complete all sections accurately and provide all required documentation.
- Contact Customer Service for Help: If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to contact your utility company’s customer service. They are there to help guide you through the process.
- Apply as Soon as Possible: If you believe you are eligible, apply for the CARE program as soon as possible to start receiving discounts on your energy bills.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a smaller discount of 18% on your electricity bill (FERA only applies to electricity, not natural gas). FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA if you do not qualify for CARE but still need assistance.
Conclusion
The California Energy Care Program is a vital resource for low-income households in California, offering substantial savings on energy bills. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following this comprehensive guide on how to apply for the California Energy Care Program, you can take the first step towards reducing your energy expenses and making your household budget more manageable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today to begin your application and see if you qualify for these valuable energy savings.
