Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California looking for ways to reduce your monthly expenses? If you meet certain income requirements or participate in specific public assistance programs, you could significantly lower your energy bills by signing up for the PG&E CARE program. This California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs through substantial discounts.
The CARE program offers a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These savings can make a real difference in your household budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential needs. Understanding the eligibility criteria and how to enroll is the first step towards taking advantage of this valuable program.
Who is Eligible for the PG&E CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program sets income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are as follows:
PG&E 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 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the PG&E CARE program.
Beyond income, you can also 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’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- 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
Enrollment in these programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process.
Benefits of Signing Up for the PG&E CARE Program
The primary benefit of the CARE program is the significant discount on your monthly energy bills. Receiving a 30-35% reduction on your electricity costs and 20% on natural gas can lead to substantial savings throughout the year. These savings are especially crucial for households on a tight budget, helping to free up funds for other essential expenses like food, housing, and healthcare.
Furthermore, enrolling in CARE can provide access to other energy-saving programs and resources offered by PG&E, potentially leading to even greater reductions in your energy consumption and costs. It’s a step towards energy affordability and financial stability for eligible California residents.
How to Sign Up for the PG&E CARE Program
Signing up for the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. You can begin your application online or by contacting PG&E directly.
-
Online Application: Visit the PG&E CARE program website. You can typically find the CARE application form on the “Save Energy & Money” or “Help Paying Your Bill” sections of the PG&E website. Look for “CARE Program” under assistance programs.
-
Phone Application: Contact PG&E customer service at 866-743-2273. Inform them you are interested in applying for the CARE program, and they will guide you through the application process and can mail you an application form if needed.
-
Mail Application: You can download the CARE application form from the PG&E website, print it, fill it out, and mail it to the address provided on the form. You can also request an application form to be mailed to you by calling PG&E.
During the application, you will need to provide information to verify your income and household size, or proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. PG&E may require documentation to support your application. Once your application is approved, you will begin receiving the CARE discounts on your energy bills.
Other California Energy Assistance Programs
While CARE provides significant relief, California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program for households whose income slightly exceeds CARE guidelines. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills for customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. If you believe your income might be too high for CARE but you still need assistance, explore the FERA program as another potential option.
Take Action and Sign Up for PG&E CARE Today
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to lower your energy bills. If you believe you are eligible for the PG&E CARE program, take the first step and sign up today. Visit the PG&E website or call their customer service to begin your application and start saving money on your energy costs. The CARE program is a valuable resource for income-qualified Californians, and enrolling can make a significant positive impact on your financial well-being.
