Are you struggling to afford your energy bills in California? If you’re a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer, you might be eligible for significant savings through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This program is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. Finding the is your first step towards accessing these valuable discounts.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers substantial discounts to eligible low-income customers on their utility bills. Specifically, if you qualify for CARE, you can receive a 30-35% discount on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill from PG&E. These savings can make a significant difference in your monthly budget, helping you manage essential household expenses.
This program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring that those most in need receive the assistance they deserve. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates these programs and works to make energy more affordable for all Californians.
Who Qualifies for PG&E CARE? Income Guidelines and Eligibility
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is 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 effective through May 31, 2025, and 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the PG&E CARE program.
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you are currently 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 Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- 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 in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Find and Use the PG&E CARE Program Number
To apply for the PG&E CARE program or to get more information, contacting PG&E directly is the most efficient way. You can easily reach them through the PG&E CARE program number:
1-866-743-2273
Call this number to speak with a PG&E representative who can:
- Answer your questions about the CARE program.
- Help you determine your eligibility.
- Guide you through the application process.
- Provide you with application forms.
You can also find information and application forms on the PG&E website dedicated to the CARE program: PG&E CARE Program Website.
Reaching out through the PG&E CARE program number or visiting the website are both excellent ways to start your journey towards saving money on your energy bills.
Contact Information for Other California Utility CARE Programs
If you are not a PG&E customer, you can still access CARE program benefits through your utility provider. Here are the contact numbers and website links for other major utility companies in California offering the CARE program:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison (Southern California Edison) | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric) | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas (Southern California Gas Company) | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Natural Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Electric | 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 |
This table provides a comprehensive list of utilities and their contact information, making it easy for California residents to find the CARE program number or website for their specific provider.
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 offers an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s 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, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 think your income might be too high for CARE but still need assistance, explore the FERA program. Contact your electric utility to determine your eligibility and learn more.
Take Action Today and Save on Your Energy Bills
Navigating energy costs can be challenging, but programs like CARE and FERA are there to help. If you are a PG&E customer and think you might qualify for assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Use the PG&E CARE program number – 1-866-743-2273 – or visit their website today. Start saving money and making your energy bills more manageable. Help is available – take advantage of these valuable California programs!
