Are you finding it difficult to manage your energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, offered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. This program provides significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who need it most. Applying for the PG&E CARE program online is a straightforward process, and this guide will walk you through the essentials of the program and how to access the online application.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for eligible customers. This substantial saving can make a real difference in household budgets. Funded by a surcharge on all utility customers’ bills, CARE aims to ensure that essential energy services are accessible to low-income residents.
Who is Eligible for PG&E CARE?
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The income limits are updated annually and are dependent on the number of people living in your household. 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 until May 31, 2025. If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Beyond income, you may also qualify if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 (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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for CARE, regardless of your specific income level, making the PG&E CARE program application accessible to a broader range of individuals and families in need.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program Online
Applying for the PG&E CARE program has been made easy with the online application portal. Here’s how you can get started:
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Visit the PG&E Website: Navigate to the official PG&E website. In the search bar, type “CARE program” or “CARE online application” to quickly find the relevant page. You can also directly look for the “Save Energy & Money” section and then find “Help Paying Your Bill” to locate the CARE program information.
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Find the CARE Program Page: Once you are on the PG&E website, locate the section dedicated to the CARE program. Look for titles like “California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)” or similar phrasing.
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Access the Online Application: On the CARE program page, you should find a clear link or button to start the . This may be labeled as “Apply Now,” “Online Application,” or “Enroll Now.”
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Create an Account or Log In: You may need to create a PG&E online account or log in to an existing one to access the application. Follow the prompts to register or log in.
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Complete the Application Form: The online application form will ask for necessary information to determine your eligibility. This typically includes:
- Personal Information: Name, address, PG&E account number, contact information.
- Household Information: Number of people in your household, their names, and ages.
- Income Information: Details about your household income. You may need to provide documentation to verify your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or documentation of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
- Program Enrollment (if applicable): Information about your participation in any qualifying public assistance programs.
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Submit Your Application: After filling out all the required fields and attaching any necessary documents, carefully review your application for accuracy. Once you are satisfied, submit the application online.
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Confirmation and Follow-up: After submission, you should receive a confirmation message or email. PG&E will then review your application. You may be contacted if additional information is needed. The processing time can vary, so it’s advisable to apply as soon as possible if you believe you are eligible.
Other Energy Assistance Programs: FERA
In addition to CARE, PG&E also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines.
| Household Size | 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 your income is slightly above the CARE limits but below the FERA limits, you may be eligible for FERA. You can find information about FERA and its application process on the PG&E website as well.
Get Help with Your PG&E CARE Program Application
If you need assistance with your PG&E CARE program online application or have questions about eligibility, PG&E provides multiple resources:
- PG&E Website: The website is the primary source of information and the portal for online applications.
- Phone Support: You can contact PG&E’s customer service at 866-743-2273 for assistance with CARE applications and general inquiries.
- Community Agencies: Numerous community-based organizations also offer assistance with CARE applications. These agencies can provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
Taking advantage of the PG&E CARE program online application is a vital step for eligible households to reduce their energy costs. By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the application steps, you can access significant savings and make your energy bills more manageable. Don’t hesitate to explore the PG&E website or contact their support services to begin your application today.
For more information, please visit the official PG&E CARE program website: CARE
