The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state initiative designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re a resident of California struggling to afford your utility bills, CARE could provide significant relief. This program offers substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible households.
Understanding the CARE Program
The CARE program provides a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for qualifying customers. This discount is crucial for individuals and families with limited incomes, helping them to maintain essential utility services without facing undue financial strain. The program is funded through a surcharge on the bills of other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and reach across California.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the 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.
CARE Income Guidelines (Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025)
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are currently 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 CARE, simplifying the application process if you already receive assistance from another qualifying program.
CARE Program Benefits: Significant Savings on Your Energy Bills
The most direct benefit of the CARE program is the substantial discount on your monthly energy bills. For most major electric utilities in California, this means a 30% to 35% reduction in your electricity costs and a 20% discount on natural gas. For smaller electrical corporations with fewer than 100,000 customer accounts, a 20% discount on electricity is applied. These discounts can lead to significant savings throughout the year, freeing up your budget for other essential needs.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The primary way to apply is by contacting your utility company directly. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program from them. Most utility companies also provide online applications through their websites, making it even easier to apply from the comfort of your home.
Here are the contact details and website links for major utility companies in California where you can apply for CARE:
| Utility | Emergency Payment | Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
In addition to utility companies, application forms are often available through various community agencies and organizations. These agencies can also provide assistance in filling out the application and answering any questions you may have about the program.
Understanding the Income Guidelines and Updates
It’s important to note that the CARE income guidelines are not static. They are typically adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation and the changing economic landscape. The income limits listed are effective until May 31, 2025, and will likely be updated again for the following year. Always check the latest guidelines on your utility provider’s website or the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) website to ensure you have the most current information.
Exploring Further Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for households that meet higher income thresholds.
FERA Income Guidelines (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 |
FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (Edison), and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E). If your income is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking if you qualify for FERA to still receive some energy bill assistance.
Contact Your Utility Provider for More Information
Both the CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for California residents struggling with energy costs. To determine your eligibility and begin the application process, the best step is to contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with specific details, application forms, and answer any questions you may have about these and other assistance programs available in California. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore the options that can help make your energy bills more manageable.
