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 initiative offers substantial discounts to eligible customers, making energy more affordable. Specifically, those enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This can make a real difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
To find out if you qualify and to apply for the CARE program, the first step is to contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed information specific to your service area. Many utility companies also have dedicated CARE program pages on their websites, offering online resources and application options. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates several major utilities in the state, each participating in the CARE program. Below is a table with contact information for some of these key utility providers:
| 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 CARE Program Eligibility: Income and Public Assistance
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. There are set income limits that determine qualification, ensuring the program reaches those who need it most. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are in effect until May 31, 2025, as detailed 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, you may also automatically qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that individuals already receiving support can easily access energy bill assistance. 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)
- 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
Additional Information about the CARE Program
It’s important to note that the discount percentage offered through CARE can vary slightly depending on the size of the utility company. Larger electrical corporations, with over 100,000 customer accounts in California, are mandated to offer the higher 30%-35% discount on electricity bills. Smaller electrical corporations provide a 20% discount.
Funding for the CARE program comes from a small surcharge on the bills of other utility customers. This collective contribution ensures the sustainability of the program and its ability to support low-income households across California. Application assistance is also available through various community agencies, offering support to navigate the application process. The Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) plays an advisory role, guiding the CPUC on low-income energy assistance programs.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers. Currently, 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 are higher than CARE, designed to assist families who are still income-constrained but don’t qualify for the deeper CARE discounts.
| 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 |
To learn more about both the CARE and FERA programs, and to determine which program best fits your needs, it is essential to contact your utility company. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you access available energy assistance.
