The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re a resident of California and struggling to afford your utility bills, CARE could provide significant relief by offering discounts on your electricity and natural gas services. This initiative ensures that essential energy services remain accessible and affordable for eligible customers throughout the state.
The CARE program offers a substantial discount to enrolled customers, specifically a 30-35 percent reduction on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts can make a considerable difference in household budgets, freeing up funds for other essential needs. To determine if you qualify for these savings, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Eligibility for the CARE program hinges primarily on household income. The program sets income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, and effective through May 31, 2025, the income guidelines are 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 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program. It’s important to note that these income thresholds are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the most current guidelines.
Beyond income, there’s another pathway to CARE program eligibility. If you or someone in your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs, you may automatically qualify for CARE, regardless of your specific income level (as long as it meets the program requirements of the qualifying public assistance program). 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)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- 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 serves as proof of your need for energy bill assistance.
To apply for the CARE program and begin receiving discounts on your energy bills, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California administers the CARE program and can provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed information. You can reach out to your utility provider via phone or through their website. Here is a list of major utility companies in California along with their contact information and direct 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 |
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option to explore: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households. FERA has higher income thresholds than CARE, making it a valuable resource for families who may not qualify for CARE but still need help managing energy costs. FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are shown below in comparison to the 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 |
In conclusion, the California CARE program is a crucial resource for low-income residents seeking assistance with their energy bills. By providing significant discounts, CARE helps ensure that essential energy services are affordable and accessible. If you believe you may be eligible for CARE or FERA, reach out to your utility company today to learn more and begin the application process. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to reduce your energy expenses and ease your financial burden.
