Are you struggling with high energy bills in San Diego? If you’re a low-income customer of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), you might be eligible for significant savings through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative is designed to help eligible households manage their energy costs, ensuring access to essential utilities. Let’s delve into and how it can provide crucial financial relief.
What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program?
The CARE program is a state-wide initiative in California aimed at assisting low-income households with their energy expenses. It offers substantial discounts on monthly utility bills, making energy more affordable for those who qualify. This program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, demonstrating a collective effort to support vulnerable communities. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees these programs, ensuring fair access and implementation across different utility companies.
SDG&E CARE Program: Specific Relief for San Diego Customers
For SDG&E customers, the CARE program translates into significant savings. Eligible households receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can dramatically reduce your monthly expenses, allowing you to allocate your budget to other essential needs. SDG&E actively participates in the CARE program to support its customers and ensure that affordable energy access is a reality within its service area.
To understand if you can benefit from these savings, it’s important to know the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for the SDG&E CARE Program
Eligibility for the SDG&E CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified 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, as outlined 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, you can also qualify for CARE if you or a member of your household is 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 automatically qualifies you for the SDG&E CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the SDG&E CARE Program
Applying for the SDG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. The most direct way to apply is through SDG&E directly. You can visit the SDG&E website dedicated to payment and bill assistance programs where you will find the CARE application form and detailed instructions.
Alternatively, you can contact SDG&E’s dedicated assistance line for personalized guidance and application support.
SDG&E Assistance Line: 800-411-7343
SDG&E also partners with numerous community agencies that can assist you with the application process. These agencies are familiar with the CARE program requirements and can provide valuable support to ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Exploring Further Assistance: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for energy bill assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill and is available to customers of SDG&E, along with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and Southern California Edison.
While FERA’s discount is less than CARE, it still provides significant relief. Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
If you believe you might qualify for FERA, contacting SDG&E is the best next step to confirm your eligibility and start the application process.
Take Control of Your Energy Bills with SDG&E CARE
Understanding what is SDG&E CARE program is the first step towards potentially lowering your energy bills and improving your household finances. If you are an SDG&E customer and meet the income requirements or participate in qualifying public assistance programs, you are strongly encouraged to apply for the CARE program. Don’t miss out on these valuable savings.
For more detailed information and to begin your application, visit the SDG&E website or call their assistance line today. Take advantage of the resources available to make energy more affordable for your family.
