Are you finding it challenging to keep up with your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible low-income households reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. By enrolling in CARE, you could receive a significant discount on your monthly utility bills, making energy more affordable. This guide will explain how to qualify for the CARE program and take advantage of these savings.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to help make energy services more affordable for households with limited incomes. If you qualify, 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, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
To determine if you are eligible for these savings, it’s important to understand the qualification criteria. There are two main ways to qualify for the CARE program: through income guidelines or through enrollment in certain public assistance programs.
Income Requirements for CARE Eligibility
One way to qualify for the CARE program is based on your household’s total annual income. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025. If your gross annual household income falls at or below the limits listed in the table below, you may be eligible for CARE.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
This image is a table displaying the CARE program income guidelines for 2024-2025, showing income limits based on household size, designed to help users understand eligibility criteria.
It’s important to note that these income limits are subject to change, so always check the most current guidelines with your utility provider or on their website.
Qualifying Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits mentioned above, you may still qualify for the CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. California recognizes that participation in these programs indicates financial need and automatically qualifies you for CARE. Eligible public assistance 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 or someone in your household participates in any of these programs, you are likely eligible for the CARE discount.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. The first step is to contact your utility company. Each utility provider in California manages its own CARE program enrollment. You can request an application form and get detailed information directly from them. Many utility companies also allow you to apply online through their websites.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major utility companies in California to help you get started:
| 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 |
This image is a table listing California utility companies with their emergency payment phone numbers and direct website links to their CARE program information pages, designed to help users easily find contact details and online resources.
When you contact your utility company, be prepared to provide information about your household income and any participation in public assistance programs. The application process is generally simple, and utility companies are available to assist you with any questions you may have.
FERA Program: Another Assistance Option
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. This program 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 |
This image is a table comparing income guidelines for CARE and FERA programs, highlighting the slightly higher income limits for FERA eligibility to provide users with alternative assistance options.
If you think you might qualify for FERA, contact your electric utility company to inquire about the program and application process.
Conclusion
Qualifying for the California CARE program can significantly reduce your energy expenses, making your utility bills more manageable. By checking your household income against the guidelines or verifying your enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program, you can determine your eligibility. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider today to request an application and start saving on your energy costs. Take advantage of the resources available to help you manage your household expenses effectively.
