The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills, CARE offers substantial discounts to make energy more affordable. This program provides crucial financial relief by reducing your monthly expenses, ensuring access to essential energy services for eligible customers throughout California.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program provides a significant discount on your monthly utility bills. Enrolled households receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts are designed to lessen the burden of energy expenses, allowing families to allocate their limited resources to other essential needs. The program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and continued support for those who need it most.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the income limits outlined below, you may qualify for CARE discounts. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring the program remains accessible to those it intends to serve. The current income limits are effective through May 31, 2025.
CARE Income Guidelines*
| 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in these programs automatically qualifies you for CARE, simplifying the application process for those already receiving aid. These qualifying programs include:
Public Assistance Programs that Qualify for CARE
- 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
How to Apply for the CARE Program?
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program from them. Most utility companies also provide information and application forms on their websites. Below is a table with contact information and website links for major California utility providers:
Utility Contact Information for CARE
| 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 |
In addition to contacting your utility directly, application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. If your household income is moderately above the CARE guidelines, it’s worth exploring FERA to see if you qualify for these additional savings. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are detailed below:
FERA Income Guidelines
| 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 |
For more detailed information on both the CARE and FERA programs, and to determine your eligibility, please contact your utility company directly. They can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the application process.
