Are you struggling to afford your energy bills in California? If you’re a low-income resident, the PG&E CARE program could provide significant relief. This program offers substantial discounts on your monthly electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible households. Let’s delve into the details of the PG&E CARE program, focusing on the crucial income guidelines to determine if you qualify for these savings.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to assist low-income customers in managing their energy expenses. Specifically for PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) customers, enrolling in CARE means receiving a 30-35% discount on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can significantly reduce your monthly utility costs, freeing up your budget for other essential needs.
This financial assistance is made possible through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring that those most in need receive support to access essential energy services. The program is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB), ensuring its effectiveness and fair distribution of benefits.
PG&E CARE Income Guidelines for 2024-2025
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program sets specific income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. For the period of June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, the PG&E CARE 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 |
To determine if you meet the income requirements, simply compare your total gross household income (before taxes) to the income limit corresponding to your household size. If your income is at or below the listed limit, you are likely eligible for the PG&E CARE program based on income.
Other Eligibility Criteria for PG&E CARE
Besides income, you can also qualify for the PG&E CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This alternative pathway ensures that individuals already receiving aid can easily access energy bill assistance. Qualifying public assistance programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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
If you participate in any of these programs, you automatically meet the eligibility requirements for PG&E CARE, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply for PG&E CARE
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. The easiest way to apply and get more detailed information is to visit the official PG&E website dedicated to the CARE program. You can find the application form online and submit it electronically.
For those who prefer to apply via phone or need assistance, you can contact PG&E directly at 866-743-2273. Their customer service representatives can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have about eligibility or required documentation.
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 PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
While FERA offers a slightly smaller discount than CARE, it serves as a valuable safety net for households with slightly higher incomes that still struggle with energy costs. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of families.
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 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 don’t qualify for CARE due to income, it’s worth checking if you meet the FERA program income guidelines. Contact PG&E to inquire about FERA and determine your eligibility.
Take Control of Your Energy Bills Today
The PG&E CARE program and FERA program are vital resources for low- and moderate-income families in California. By understanding the PG&E CARE program income guidelines and other eligibility criteria, you can determine if you qualify for significant discounts on your energy bills. Don’t let high energy costs strain your budget – explore these programs today and take control of your energy expenses. Contact PG&E or visit their website to learn more and apply.
