The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and other utility providers, offers significant discounts on energy bills for eligible low-income households in California. If you’re a PG&E customer struggling to manage your energy expenses, understanding the income limits for the CARE program is the first step to potentially receiving much-needed financial assistance. This program provides a crucial lifeline, offering a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill, making energy more affordable for those who qualify.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program and Its Benefits
The CARE program is designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs. By enrolling in CARE, you can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills, freeing up your budget for other essential needs. These discounts are directly applied to your PG&E bill, making your energy expenses more predictable and manageable. This program is funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring that assistance is available for those who need it most.
PG&E CARE Income Limits: Are You Eligible?
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on your household’s gross annual income. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025. It’s important to check the current income guidelines to determine if you qualify. Here are the income limits currently in place for the PG&E CARE program:
| 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To determine your eligibility, find your household size in the left column and check if your total gross annual household income falls at or below the corresponding income limit. “Household size” includes all individuals living in your home. “Gross annual income” refers to your household’s total income before taxes and deductions.
Additional Qualification Pathways for PG&E CARE
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits mentioned above, you may still qualify for the PG&E CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in any of the following programs automatically qualifies you for CARE:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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 can provide proof of enrollment when applying for CARE to establish your eligibility, regardless of your household income.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. The easiest way to apply is through the PG&E website dedicated to the CARE program. You can find the application form and detailed instructions online. Alternatively, you can contact PG&E directly to request an application form or ask any questions you may have about the program and your eligibility.
Contact Information for PG&E CARE:
- Phone: 866-743-2273
- Website: CARE Program Information
Don’t hesitate to reach out to PG&E or visit their website to begin your application and potentially lower your energy bills through the CARE program.
Exploring Further Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. While FERA offers a smaller discount compared to CARE, it can still provide significant savings for households with slightly higher incomes.
Note: Income limits and program details are subject to change. Always refer to the official PG&E CARE program website or contact PG&E directly for the most up-to-date information and to confirm your eligibility.
