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 struggling to pay your electricity and natural gas bills, CARE offers substantial discounts to make energy more affordable. Specifically, enrolled customers receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. This financial relief can be crucial for families and individuals with limited incomes.
Understanding the CARE Program Income Limits
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household’s total gross annual income. The program sets upper income limits that vary depending on the size of your household. It’s important to understand that these are upper limits, meaning your household income must be at or below the specified amount to qualify. The income limits are updated periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective for a set period.
Current CARE Income Limits (2024-2025)
For the period of June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025, the income guidelines for the CARE program are as follows:
| 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 |
This table illustrates the income thresholds for the California CARE program, effective from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025. It clearly outlines the maximum annual income allowed for households of different sizes to be eligible for energy bill discounts.
As you can see, the income limit increases with each additional person in your household. For example, a household of four can have an annual income of up to $62,400 and still qualify for CARE, while a single individual or couple must have an income at or below $40,880.
Other Ways to Qualify for CARE (Beyond Income)
Even if your income is within these limits, or slightly exceeds them, you might still be eligible for CARE. California recognizes that participation in certain public assistance programs indicates financial need. Therefore, if you or someone in your household is enrolled in any of the following programs, you automatically qualify for CARE, regardless of your gross annual income:
- 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
This image highlights the various public assistance programs in California that automatically qualify residents for the CARE program, providing multiple pathways to access energy bill discounts for those in need.
Enrollment in any of these programs demonstrates eligibility for CARE, simplifying the application process for many low-income Californians.
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. Each utility company in California that is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) participates in the CARE program. You can request an application form and get more detailed information by visiting your utility company’s website or calling their customer service line.
Many utility companies also partner with community agencies that can assist you with the application process. These agencies can provide application forms, answer your questions, and help you understand the program requirements.
Utility Company Contacts for CARE Applications
Here is a list of major utility companies in California and their contact information for CARE program inquiries:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program 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 |
This table provides a comprehensive list of utility companies in California, along with their emergency contact numbers and direct links to their CARE program websites, making it easier for residents to find the specific information and application resources they need.
Reach out to your specific utility provider to begin your application process.
What is the FERA Program and How Does it Relate to CARE?
California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is designed for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE income limits but still need assistance with their energy bills. FERA provides a smaller discount of 18% on electricity bills (FERA only applies to electric bills, not natural gas).
Here’s a comparison of the income limits for CARE and FERA programs for some household sizes:
| Household Size | CARE Income Limit | FERA Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,640 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,400 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,160 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,920 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,680 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,440 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
This comparative table clearly illustrates the income limit differences between the CARE and FERA programs for various household sizes, helping residents quickly determine which program they might be eligible for based on their income level.
FERA acts as a safety net for families who are just above the CARE income threshold, ensuring that more Californians can access affordable energy. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA eligibility if your income is slightly higher than the CARE limits.
Conclusion
The California CARE program is a vital resource for low-income residents, offering significant discounts on energy bills. Understanding the income limits for the CARE program is the first step in determining your eligibility. With discounts of 30-35% on electricity and 20% on natural gas, CARE can make a real difference in your household budget. If your income falls within the specified limits, or if you participate in a qualifying public assistance program, you are encouraged to apply. Contact your utility company today to learn more and start your application. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to reduce your energy expenses through the California CARE program.
