Are you a California resident looking for ways to lower your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers significant discounts to eligible low-income households. Understanding what utilities the CARE program covers is the first step to potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually on your electricity and natural gas expenses. This guide will break down the CARE program, the utilities involved, eligibility requirements, and how you can benefit.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-initiated program designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs. Enrollees in the CARE program receive a substantial discount on their monthly utility bills. Specifically, customers can expect to see a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts are crucial for families struggling to make ends meet and ensure access to essential energy services.
This program is funded through a small surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, making it a collective effort to support vulnerable communities. The income limits for CARE eligibility are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and cost of living, ensuring the program remains accessible to those who need it most.
Which Utilities Participate in CARE?
A key question for many Californians is, “What utilities does the CARE program cover?” The CARE program is available across a wide range of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Below is a detailed list of utilities that participate in the CARE program, along with their contact information and links to their dedicated CARE program pages for easy access and application:
| Utility Company | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) | 866-743-2273 | PG&E CARE |
| Southern California Edison (Edison) | 866-675-6623 | SCE CARE |
| San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) | 800-411-7343 | SDG&E CARE |
| Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) | 800-427-2200 | SoCalGas CARE |
| Alpine Natural Gas | 209-772-3006 | Alpine Natural Gas Programs |
| Bear Valley Electric | 800-808-2837 | Bear Valley Electric CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | PacifiCorp Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | Liberty Utilities CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Southwest Gas Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | West Coast Gas CARE |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the utilities participating in the CARE program, making it easy for residents to identify their provider and access the relevant program information.
CARE Program Eligibility and Income Guidelines
To be eligible for the CARE program, customers must meet certain income guidelines or participate in specific public assistance programs. The income limits are based on household size and are updated annually. Here are the income guidelines effective through 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 limits, you may also qualify for CARE if you or a member of your household is enrolled in one of the following public assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 and ensuring that those already receiving assistance can further benefit from reduced energy costs.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for FERA, also effective through May 31, 2025, presented alongside CARE income limits for comparison:
| Household Size | CARE/ESAP (200% Federal Poverty) | FERA (250% Federal Poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Conclusion
Understanding what utilities the CARE program covers and the eligibility criteria is essential for California residents seeking energy bill assistance. The CARE program, along with FERA, provides crucial support to low- and moderate-income families, ensuring access to affordable energy. If you believe you may qualify for either program, contact your utility company directly or visit their website through the links provided above to apply and start saving today. Take advantage of these valuable resources to manage your energy costs and improve your household financial stability.
