Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy expenses? If you’re a low-income household in California, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program can significantly lower your electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically for PG&E customers and broadly across California, understanding the Pge Income Guidelines For Care Program is the first step to accessing these valuable discounts.
Understanding the California CARE Program and Income Eligibility
The CARE program is designed to help eligible households save money on their energy bills. If you qualify, you could receive a 30-35% discount on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill. Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income and size. These pge income guidelines for care program are consistent across major California utility providers, ensuring broad access for those in need.
2024-2025 CARE Income Guidelines for PG&E and Other California Utilities
To determine if you meet the pge income guidelines for care program, review the income limits below. These guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, and are applicable whether you are a PG&E customer or use another utility service in California.
| 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 CARE program and should apply. These pge income guidelines for care program serve as a benchmark for eligibility across the state.
Additional Ways to Qualify for the CARE Program
Even if your income slightly exceeds the listed pge income guidelines for care program, you may still qualify for CARE if you participate in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in programs like Medicaid/Medi-Cal, WIC, SNAP (Food Stamps), SSI, LIHEAP, and others can automatically qualify you for CARE, regardless of whether you are a PG&E customer or use another utility.
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
How to Apply for the CARE Program with PG&E and Other Utilities
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The best way to start is to contact your utility company directly. Whether you are a PG&E customer focusing on pge income guidelines for care program or use another provider, each utility has dedicated resources to assist you with the application process.
Here are contact details and website links for major California utilities to inquire about the CARE program and application process:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone | Website for CARE Program Information |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 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 |
Start Saving on Your Energy Bills Today
Don’t let high energy costs strain your budget. Check the pge income guidelines for care program or see if you qualify through another program, and contact your utility provider to apply for the California CARE program. Start saving money on your energy bills and make your household budget more comfortable today!
