Facing past due utility bills can be stressful, especially for households on a tight budget. If you’re a California resident struggling to keep up with your electric bills, you might be wondering if the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program can offer assistance, particularly with overdue amounts. This guide will clarify how the CARE program works and whether it can help alleviate the burden of past due energy bills.
Understanding the CARE Program: Discounted Energy Rates for Eligible Households
The CARE program is a state-run initiative designed to help low-income households in California manage their energy costs. It provides significant discounts on monthly utility bills, making energy more affordable. Specifically, CARE offers a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills for eligible customers. This ongoing discount can substantially reduce your monthly expenses and prevent bills from becoming past due in the future.
Image: A table outlining California utility companies along with contact information and website links for accessing energy assistance programs, including CARE, to help low-income residents manage their utility bills.
Eligibility for CARE: Income and Public Assistance Programs
To qualify for the CARE program, your household income must fall within specific income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income eligibility upper limits 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 |
Beyond income limits, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you automatically meet the eligibility criteria for CARE.
Can CARE Help Directly with Past Due Bills?
While the CARE program provides a significant discount on your ongoing energy bills, it’s important to understand that CARE is not designed as an emergency assistance program for paying off existing past due balances. The primary function of CARE is to reduce your current and future energy expenses, making it easier to manage your monthly utility costs and avoid falling behind on payments.
However, the reduced bill amount from CARE can free up funds in your budget that you can then allocate towards paying down past due balances. Think of CARE as a long-term solution to energy affordability, helping you stay on track with bills going forward.
For immediate assistance with past due bills, you may need to explore emergency payment assistance programs offered by your utility company or other organizations.
How to Apply for CARE and Find Emergency Assistance
To apply for the CARE program, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility has its own application process, which is usually available online or through mail. You can find the contact information and website links for major California utilities in the table below:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Assistance 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 |
When you contact your utility, inquire about both the CARE program application and any emergency payment assistance options that might be available to help with your past due bills. Many utilities offer programs that can provide a one-time payment or set up payment plans to help customers get back on track.
Exploring FERA: Additional Support for Families
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. While less substantial than CARE, FERA can still offer valuable savings for eligible families.
Image: A comparison table illustrating the income guidelines for both the CARE and FERA programs in California, designed to help larger households understand their eligibility for energy bill assistance based on income levels.
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of households. Here are the FERA income guidelines effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household Size | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If you don’t qualify for CARE due to slightly higher income, check if you might be eligible for FERA. Contact your electric utility (PG&E, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas and Electric) for more information and application details.
Conclusion: CARE as a Tool for Long-Term Energy Affordability
In summary, while the CARE program itself won’t directly pay off past due bills, it is a crucial resource for low-income California residents to achieve long-term energy affordability. By providing a significant discount on your monthly electric bills, CARE can help you manage your energy expenses, prevent future past due balances, and free up your budget to address existing debt.
If you are struggling with past due energy bills, applying for CARE should be your first step towards sustainable energy cost management. Simultaneously, explore emergency assistance programs offered by your utility company and other community organizations for immediate relief. Take control of your energy bills today by reaching out to your utility and inquiring about the CARE program and other available support options.
