The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help households with limited incomes manage their energy expenses. If you’re a low-income customer in California, enrolling in CARE can significantly reduce your utility bills, making energy more affordable. Specifically, CARE provides a discount of 30-35 percent on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This financial assistance can be crucial for families and individuals striving to make ends meet.
Understanding the CARE Program: More Than Just a Discount
The CARE program isn’t simply a handout; it’s a structured initiative by the State of California to ensure that essential energy services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, CARE is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB). This board advises the PUC on various low-income assistance programs, ensuring they effectively serve those in need. The discounts offered through CARE are substantial and directly lower the monthly energy costs for eligible households, freeing up income for other essential needs.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program? Income and Eligibility Explained
Eligibility for the CARE program primarily hinges on your household income. The program sets income limits that 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, and are structured 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 |
It’s important to note that these are upper limits. If your total household income falls at or below these thresholds, you are likely eligible for CARE based on income.
Beyond income, automatic enrollment in certain public assistance programs also qualifies you for CARE. These programs indicate that a household is likely to meet the low-income criteria. Qualifying public assistance 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you are automatically eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program: Getting Started
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages CARE applications for its service area. You can request an application form and get detailed information specific to your utility provider through their websites or by phone. Here’s a list of major utility companies in California and how to reach them for CARE program inquiries:
| 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 |
Application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families. These agencies can provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
Exploring Additional Support: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another assistance program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E).
| 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 your income is slightly above the CARE limits but still within the FERA guidelines, it’s worth checking your eligibility for this program to maximize your energy bill savings. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA and determine if your household qualifies.
Conclusion: Taking Advantage of the CARE Program
The California CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households in California, offering substantial discounts on essential energy services. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take advantage of this program to reduce your monthly expenses and improve your financial stability. 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. Energy assistance is available – explore your options and make your energy bills more manageable.
