Rising energy costs can be a significant burden, especially for households with limited incomes. California understands this challenge and offers assistance through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. But What Does The Care Program Do exactly? In essence, CARE is designed to help eligible low-income customers manage their energy bills by providing substantial discounts.
The CARE program offers a crucial financial reprieve by reducing your monthly energy expenses. If you qualify, you can receive a discount of 30-35 percent on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in your household budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below specific 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, and are structured as follows:
| 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 be automatically eligible 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’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 simplifies the CARE application process, as it provides automatic verification of your eligibility.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
To take advantage of the savings offered by CARE, you need to apply through your utility company. Each utility in California manages its own CARE program enrollment. The best way to start is to contact your utility provider directly or visit their website. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed instructions on how to apply.
For your convenience, here is a table listing the major utility companies in California, along with their contact information and website links where you can find more details about CARE and application procedures:
| 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 |
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
California also offers another program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is designed for families whose income is slightly higher than the CARE income limits but still need help managing electricity costs. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s worth checking if you qualify for FERA if your income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines.
Conclusion
The CARE program is a vital resource for low-income households in California, providing significant discounts on energy bills. By understanding what the CARE program does and checking your eligibility, you can take a proactive step towards managing your energy expenses and improving your financial well-being. Contact your utility company today to learn more and apply for the CARE program.
