The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households in California manage their energy costs. If you’re a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PGE) customer, the PGE CARE program can provide significant discounts on your monthly electricity and natural gas bills. Let’s delve into how this program can make a difference for you.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-wide initiative in California that offers substantial discounts to eligible low-income customers on their energy bills. For those enrolled, this means a discount of 30-35 percent on electricity and 20 percent on natural gas. This financial assistance is crucial for households looking to reduce their monthly expenses.
PGE CARE Program: Key Benefits and Eligibility
Specifically for PGE customers, the CARE program ensures you receive these valuable discounts. Eligibility for the PGE CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program uses income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in living costs.
Income Guidelines for PGE CARE Program
To qualify for the PGE CARE program with PGE, your household income must be at or below the following limits, effective through May 31, 2025:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
These income limits are set to ensure that the program reaches those who need it most. It’s important to check these guidelines to see if your household qualifies.
Additional Eligibility Pathways
Besides income, you may also be eligible for the PGE CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs indicate that you are likely to meet the income requirements for CARE. 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 can automatically qualify you for the PGE CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the PGE CARE Program
Applying for the PGE CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to start is to contact PGE directly. You can reach them at the provided phone number or visit their website for online application options and further details.
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
PGE’s website offers comprehensive information about the CARE program, including application forms and FAQs. You can also request an application form and more information by calling their customer service line.
Understanding the FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. The FERA program provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. While FERA offers a smaller discount than CARE, it still provides significant relief for eligible families.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
If you believe your income might be slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking the FERA income guidelines to see if you qualify for this additional assistance.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of the PGE CARE Program
Managing energy costs can be a significant challenge for many households. The PGE CARE program and the broader California CARE program are valuable resources designed to ease this burden. By providing substantial discounts on your electricity and gas bills, these programs help ensure that energy remains affordable. If you are a PGE customer and believe you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t hesitate to contact PGE or visit their website to apply for the PGE CARE program. Take control of your energy expenses and explore the assistance available to you.
