Are you finding it difficult to manage your energy bills in California? You might be relieved to know about the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative is designed to assist low-income households by providing significant discounts on their electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically, enrollees benefit from a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. Understanding the income requirements for the CARE program is the first step to determining your eligibility and potentially easing your financial burden.
The CARE program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Below is a list of these utilities along with contact information to inquire about emergency payment assistance and links to their CARE program websites:
| 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 |
CARE Program Income Guidelines: Is Your Household Eligible?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your total household income. The program sets upper income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. To qualify for CARE, your household income must be at or below the limits specified for your household size.
The current income limits are effective through May 31, 2025. Review the table below to see if your household income meets the CARE program’s income requirements:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
This table clearly outlines the income requirements for the CARE program, making it easy to check if your household falls within the eligible range. For instance, a household of four must have a total annual income of $62,400 or less to qualify. Households with more than 8 individuals can add $10,760 for each additional person to the $105,440 limit.
Automatic Enrollment via Public Assistance Programs
Beyond income, you can also automatically qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This simplifies the application process for those already receiving aid. 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
Enrolling in any of these programs automatically makes you eligible for the CARE discount, streamlining access to energy bill relief.
Understanding the Discount and Program Funding
The CARE program provides substantial discounts to help low-income customers manage their energy expenses. Electrical corporations with 100,000 or more customer accounts offer a 30% – 35% discount, while smaller electrical corporations provide a 20% discount. These discounts are mandated by California’s Public Utilities Code Section 739.1.
The CARE program is funded through a surcharge on the utility bills of customers who are not enrolled in the program. This ensures the sustainability of the program and its continued support for eligible households.
For additional guidance and oversight, California has established a Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB). This board advises the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on matters related to low-income energy assistance programs, ensuring these programs effectively serve those in need. You can find more information about LIOB at http://www.liob.org/.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. This program is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, also effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 household income is slightly above the CARE limits but within the FERA guidelines, you should definitely explore the FERA program to access potential savings on your electricity bills.
Take the Next Step: Contact Your Utility Provider
To apply for the CARE program or to get more detailed information, the best step is to contact your utility company directly. You can reach out using the phone numbers provided earlier or visit their websites dedicated to the CARE program. Utility companies can provide application forms, answer specific questions about your eligibility, and guide you through the enrollment process.
Don’t let high energy bills strain your budget. Check if you meet the income requirements for the CARE program or qualify through public assistance enrollment. Take advantage of these valuable resources to lower your energy costs and improve your financial well-being.
