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 offers significant discounts to make energy more affordable. Specifically, enrolled customers receive a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This can substantially lower your monthly expenses and ease financial strain.
Understanding the CARE Program Discounts
The CARE program provides crucial financial relief by reducing your energy bills. These discounts are directly applied to your monthly statements, making your energy usage more budget-friendly. The percentage of discount varies slightly depending on the size of the utility company, with larger electrical corporations offering the higher 30-35% discount on electricity. Regardless, the program aims to ensure that essential energy services remain accessible to those with limited incomes.
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 the income limits outlined below, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring the program remains relevant and helpful.
| 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 can also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Participation in programs like Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP (Food Stamps), WIC, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and others automatically makes you eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process for those already receiving aid. This ensures that those most in need can readily access energy bill assistance.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE enrollment process. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program directly from them. Many utility companies also provide online applications through their websites, making it even easier to apply from the comfort of your home.
The table below provides contact information and website links for major utility companies in California to help you get started with your CARE application:
| 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
In addition to CARE, California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is designed for households whose income is slightly higher than the CARE eligibility limits but still need help managing electricity costs. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s important to note that FERA is specifically for electricity and is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
If your income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines, exploring FERA could be beneficial. The income limits for FERA are also updated regularly, so it’s worth checking if you qualify.
FERA Income Guidelines
| 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 |
Take Action and Save on Your Energy Bills
Both the CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for California residents struggling with energy costs. If you believe you might be eligible for either 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. Reducing your energy bills can significantly improve your household budget, and these programs are here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore your options for energy bill assistance today.
