Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE) customer in California looking for ways to lower your energy bills? The Pge Care Discount Program, or California Alternate Rates for Energy 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. Let’s dive into the details of the CARE program and how you can benefit.
What is the California CARE Discount Program?
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state-wide initiative that provides eligible low-income customers with substantial discounts on their utility bills. Specifically, if you qualify for CARE, you could receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts are designed to ease the financial burden of energy costs, ensuring that all Californians have access to essential utilities. The CARE program is available to customers of various utility companies throughout California, not just PGE, although the search term “pge care discount program” is commonly used due to PG&E’s large customer base.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, as shown in 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 |
Beyond income, you may also automatically qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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 can streamline your CARE application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly to request an application form and gather more detailed information. You can reach out to them via phone or through their websites. Here are the contact details for major California utility providers:
| 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 |
Application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations. The CARE program is funded by a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, ensuring its sustainability and reach.
Exploring Further Assistance: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of households.
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 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 |
If you believe your income might be slightly too high for CARE but still need assistance, investigate the FERA program with your electric utility provider.
Conclusion
The California CARE discount program, including the PGE CARE discount program, offers vital financial relief to eligible low-income households, making energy bills more manageable. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take advantage of these valuable savings. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility provider to learn more and apply for the program that best fits your needs. Lower energy bills can significantly improve your household budget, and these programs are designed to help.
