Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customer in California struggling with your energy bills? You might be eligible for the PG&E CARE program, a California state program designed to help income-qualified households save money on their monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers significant discounts to help make energy more affordable.
What is the PG&E CARE Program?
The PG&E CARE program provides a discount of 30-35 percent on your electric bill and 20 percent on your natural gas bill. This substantial saving can make a real difference in your household budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential needs. Funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, CARE is a vital resource for those who qualify.
Who is Eligible for the PG&E CARE Program?
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the income limits set by the program, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Current 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 |
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. 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 automatically qualifies you for the PG&E CARE program, simplifying the application process.
Benefits of Enrolling in PG&E CARE
The most significant benefit is the substantial discount on your energy bills. However, CARE offers more than just financial relief. By reducing the burden of energy costs, the program helps ensure that low-income families can maintain essential utility services, contributing to their overall well-being and stability. The program is overseen by the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB), ensuring that it effectively serves the needs of eligible Californians.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is through the PG&E website. Visit the official PG&E CARE program page to access the online application form and find detailed instructions. You can also request an application form by contacting PG&E directly at 866-743-2273. Numerous community agencies also have CARE application forms available.
Explore Other Assistance Programs: FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still qualify for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a lower discount of 18% on your electric bill and is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Contact your utility provider to learn more about FERA and other assistance programs that could help you manage your energy costs.
Take control of your energy bills today. Check your eligibility and apply for the PG&E CARE program to start saving!
