Are you a California resident struggling with high 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. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who qualify. Understanding How To Qualify For The Care Program can be the first step towards substantial savings on your utility bills.
Understanding the CARE Program and Its Benefits
The CARE program provides a crucial financial lifeline for eligible customers by offering discounts on their monthly energy 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 are substantial and can make a real difference in managing household budgets. Funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, CARE is a state-mandated program aimed at ensuring affordable energy access for all Californians, regardless of income.
Income Eligibility for CARE
The primary way to qualify for the CARE program is based on your household income. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025. To determine if you meet the income requirements, review 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 |
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If your total household income falls at or below the income limit corresponding to your household size, you are likely eligible for the CARE program based on income. Remember to check the updated income guidelines periodically as they may change.
Qualifying Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the listed limits, you may still qualify for CARE 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. These qualifying 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
Enrollment in any of these programs streamlines your CARE application process, demonstrating automatic eligibility.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE enrollment process. You can request an application form and further information through their customer service channels.
Below is a table with contact information and website links for major utility companies in California:
| 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 |
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You can either call the provided phone numbers or visit the websites to access CARE program information and application forms. Many utility companies also partner with community agencies that can assist you with the application process.
What is the FERA Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific 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 |
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If your income is too high for CARE but falls within the FERA income limits, you should inquire about the FERA program when contacting your utility company.
Take Action and Lower Your Energy Bills Today
Qualifying for the CARE program can significantly reduce your energy expenses, providing much-needed financial relief. Review the income guidelines or check if you participate in a qualifying public assistance program. Then, reach out to your utility company to request an application and start saving today! Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to make your energy bills more manageable.
