Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California struggling with your energy bills? Relief is available through the PG&E CARE program, also known as the California Alternate Rates for Energy program. This state-mandated initiative is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. If you’re looking for ways to save on your utility costs, understanding and applying for the Pge Com Care Program could be a crucial step towards financial relief.
The pge com care program offers significant discounts to eligible customers, making energy more affordable. Specifically, those enrolled in the CARE program receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. These substantial savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
Who Qualifies for the PG&E CARE Program?
Eligibility for the pge com care program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified limits, you are likely to qualify. Here are the income guidelines currently in effect:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you can also qualify for the pge com care program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that those already receiving aid can further reduce their energy burden. Qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’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
Enrolling in any of these programs can automatically qualify you for the pge com care program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the pge com care program is straightforward. PG&E provides multiple avenues to access the application and receive assistance:
- Online Application: The quickest way to apply is through the PG&E website. Visit the official PG&E CARE program page for detailed information and the online application form.
- Phone Application: You can request an application form and get more information by contacting PG&E directly at 866-743-2273. Customer service representatives can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
- Community Agencies: Application forms are also available through numerous community-based organizations and agencies throughout California. These agencies can provide in-person assistance and support with your application.
It’s recommended to have your income information and any relevant program enrollment details ready when you apply.
Understanding FERA: Another Assistance Option
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option to explore: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. While FERA offers a smaller discount of 18% on your electricity bill, it can still provide valuable savings. FERA is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for FERA, which are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of households:
| Household | 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 believe your income might be too high for CARE but still need assistance, investigating the FERA program is a worthwhile step. Contact PG&E to inquire about FERA eligibility and application process.
Take Action and Save with PG&E CARE
The pge com care program is a vital resource for California residents struggling to afford their energy bills. By taking advantage of the discounts offered through CARE, eligible households can significantly reduce their monthly expenses and improve their financial stability. Don’t hesitate to check your eligibility and apply for the PG&E CARE program today. Visit the PG&E website or call their assistance line to start saving now.
