Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California struggling to manage your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is 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. If you’re looking for ways to lower your utility costs, understanding how to sign up for the PG&E CARE program could be the solution you need.
The CARE program provides a crucial financial break for eligible customers, offering a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills. This substantial reduction can make a real difference in household budgets. This guide will walk you through the process of applying for the PG&E CARE program, ensuring you have all the information needed to determine your eligibility and complete your application successfully.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program and Its Benefits
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) established the CARE program to assist low-income households with their energy costs. It’s a statewide initiative available through various utility companies, including PG&E. By enrolling in CARE, you can significantly lower your monthly energy bills, allowing you to allocate your resources to other essential needs.
The program is funded through a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, making it a community effort to support those facing financial hardship. The discounts provided are not insignificant; they are designed to provide meaningful relief to participating households. For PG&E customers, this translates to a considerable saving each month, making it easier to maintain essential energy services.
Checking Your Eligibility for PG&E CARE
To be eligible for the PG&E CARE program, you must meet certain income guidelines or participate in specific public assistance programs. Eligibility is determined based on your household size and total gross annual income. These income limits are updated annually, so it’s important to check the most current guidelines.
Here are the CARE income guidelines effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program based on income.
Image alt text: PG&E CARE Program Income Guidelines for Eligibility, effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025. Table shows income limits based on household size from 1-2 persons to 8+ persons.
Alternatively, you can automatically qualify 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 Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- 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 meet the eligibility criteria for CARE, regardless of your specific income level.
Steps to Sign Up 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 all customers. Here are the primary methods to sign up:
1. Online Application
The easiest and fastest way to apply is through the PG&E website. Follow these steps:
- Visit the PG&E CARE program website: Go to the official PG&E CARE program page. You can typically find this by searching “PG&E CARE program” on any search engine or navigating through the “Save Energy & Money” section of the PG&E website.
- Find the online application: Look for a button or link that says “Apply Now” or “Enroll Now” for the CARE program.
- Create an account or log in: You may need to create a PG&E online account or log in to an existing one to access the application.
- Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially information about your enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program if applicable.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed all sections of the application, submit it electronically.
Image alt text: Applying for PG&E CARE program online using a laptop, showcasing digital accessibility and ease of application.
2. Phone Application
If you prefer to apply over the phone, you can contact PG&E directly.
- Call the PG&E CARE program phone number: Dial 866-743-2273. This is the dedicated number for PG&E’s energy assistance programs.
- Inform the representative you want to apply for CARE: Clearly state that you are interested in applying for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program.
- Answer the questions and provide necessary information: A PG&E representative will guide you through the application process over the phone. Be prepared to provide information about your household income, size, and any public assistance program enrollment.
3. Mail Application
Although less common, you can still apply for CARE through mail.
- Download the application form: Visit the PG&E CARE program website and look for a downloadable application form in PDF format. Alternatively, you can request a form to be mailed to you by calling the PG&E CARE program phone number.
- Print and complete the form: Print out the application form and fill it out completely and accurately.
- Mail the application form: Send the completed application form to the address provided on the form or on the PG&E website for CARE program applications.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit your CARE program application, PG&E will review it to verify your eligibility. This process may take some time. You may be contacted if additional information is needed.
- Approval: If your application is approved, you will typically see the CARE discount reflected on your bill within one to two billing cycles. PG&E will notify you of your enrollment in the program.
- Renewal: CARE program enrollment is not permanent. You will need to recertify your eligibility periodically, typically every two years, to continue receiving the discount. PG&E will send you a renewal notice when it’s time to recertify.
Exploring the 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 lower discount of 18% on electricity bills specifically for customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
FERA has higher income limits than CARE. Here are the FERA income guidelines effective through May 31, 2025, for comparison:
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If you don’t qualify for CARE due to income but your income falls within the FERA limits, it’s worth exploring the FERA program as another option for energy bill assistance. Contact PG&E to inquire about FERA and its application process.
Need Help or Have Questions? Contact PG&E
If you have any questions about the PG&E CARE program or need assistance with your application, PG&E provides customer support to guide you through the process.
- Phone: Call PG&E’s dedicated line for energy assistance programs at 866-743-2273.
- Website: Visit the PG&E CARE program website for detailed information, FAQs, and online chat support if available.
- Community Agencies: Local community agencies also often have information and application assistance for the CARE program.
Signing up for the PG&E CARE program can significantly reduce your energy bills and provide much-needed financial relief. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the application steps outlined in this guide, you can take proactive steps towards managing your energy costs more effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out to PG&E for assistance – help is available to make the application process as smooth as possible.
