The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re struggling to afford your electricity and natural gas bills, CARE could provide significant relief. This state-sponsored program offers substantial discounts to eligible customers, making energy more affordable.
Understanding the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
CARE provides a crucial financial cushion for households with limited incomes. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in household budgets, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
To learn more about CARE and to request an application, you should contact your utility company directly. Many utility companies also provide detailed information on their websites about the CARE program and application process. Here’s a list of major California utility providers and links to their CARE program pages:
| 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 |
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income. To qualify, your total household income must be at or below specific income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living.
The current income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are outlined 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: Public Assistance Program Enrollment
Even if your income slightly exceeds these limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial assistance and automatic qualification 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
How is CARE Funded?
The CARE program is funded through a small surcharge on the utility bills of customers who are not enrolled in the program. This ensures that the program is sustainable and can continue to support low-income households in California.
What is the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
For families whose income is slightly too high to qualify for CARE, there’s another program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, compared to CARE income limits:
| Household Size | 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 |
Take Action: Contact Your Utility Provider
If you believe you may be eligible for either the CARE or FERA program, the next step is to contact your utility company. They can provide you with detailed information, application forms, and answer any questions you may have about these valuable energy assistance programs. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore these options to potentially lower your energy bills.
