Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? You might be eligible for significant savings through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative offers substantial discounts to low-income households, making energy more affordable. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your utility expenses, understanding how to qualify for the CARE program is your first step. This guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria and how to apply, ensuring you can access the financial assistance you deserve.
Understanding the CARE Program and Its Benefits
The CARE program is designed to ease the burden of energy costs for eligible households. Participants in the CARE program receive a considerable discount on their utility bills. Specifically, you can expect to see a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
Eligibility Requirements for CARE: Is CARE Right for You?
To qualify for the CARE program, you need to meet certain criteria based on your household income or participation in specific public assistance programs. There are two primary ways to determine your eligibility:
Income Limits for CARE
Your household’s total gross income must be at or below the specified limits. These income limits are updated annually and are effective through May 31, 2025. Check the table below to see if your household income falls within the qualifying range:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household size and income align with these guidelines, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are currently 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’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
Participation in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for the CARE program, regardless of your specific income level (as long as you are within the guidelines of those programs).
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information about the program from them. Many utility companies also provide online applications through their websites, making the process even more convenient. Here is a table with contact information for major California utility providers:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
You can find the specific CARE program information and application details on each utility’s website linked in the table. Additionally, application forms are often available through various community agencies throughout California.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
| 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 |
If your income is slightly above the CARE limits but falls within the FERA guidelines, contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA and determine your eligibility.
Take Action and Save on Your Energy Bills
Navigating financial assistance programs can seem daunting, but the CARE program is designed to be accessible. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take control of your energy expenses. If you believe you qualify for the CARE program or the FERA program, don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today. Start saving money and making your energy bills more manageable.
