Are you a California resident struggling with high energy bills? Relief is available through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative offers substantial discounts to eligible low-income households, helping you manage your energy expenses and stay comfortable in your home. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your monthly utility payments, enrolling in the CARE program could be the solution you need.
What is the CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-sponsored initiative designed to assist low-income customers in California with their energy bills. By enrolling in the CARE program, you can receive a significant discount on your electricity and natural gas services. Specifically, the program provides a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This can translate into considerable savings each month, making it easier to afford essential household expenses. The CARE program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and continued support for those who need it most.
Eligibility for CARE Program
To enroll in the CARE program, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, primarily based on your household income. The income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines 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 |
These income limits are effective through May 31, 2025.
Even if your income slightly exceeds these limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These qualifying 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
Enrollment through participation in these programs makes it even easier for eligible households to access the financial relief offered by CARE.
How to Enroll in CARE Program
Enrolling in the CARE program is a straightforward process. The first step is to contact your utility company to request an application form and gather more detailed information. You can reach out to them via phone or visit their websites, which are excellent resources for program details and online applications in many cases. Each utility company manages CARE enrollment for its service area.
Here’s a list of major California utility companies with their contact information and website links to their CARE program pages, making it easy for you to Enroll In Care Program today:
| 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 |
Application forms are also often available through various community agencies, which can provide additional support throughout the enrollment process.
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. If your income is modestly higher than CARE guidelines, it’s worth checking if you qualify for FERA to still receive some energy bill relief. Contact your electric utility to determine your eligibility for the FERA program.
Conclusion
The CARE program is a vital resource for low-income California residents, offering significant discounts on energy bills to help make ends meet. By understanding the eligibility criteria and knowing how to enroll in care program, you can take advantage of this valuable assistance. Don’t let high energy costs strain your budget – explore the CARE program today and contact your utility company to start saving.
