Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? You might be eligible for significant savings through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs, ensuring access to essential utilities without financial strain. As a content creator for scantoolforcar.store and an automotive repair expert, I understand the importance of managing household expenses, and the CARE program can be a valuable resource for many Californians.
The CARE program offers a substantial discount on both electricity and natural gas bills. Enrolled customers receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This can translate to considerable savings each month, freeing up your budget for other essential needs.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the established income limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring the program remains accessible to those who need it most.
Current CARE Income Guidelines (Effective Through May 31, 2025)
The following table outlines the income eligibility upper limits based on household size. These guidelines are effective until May 31, 2025.
| 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 |
Beyond income limits, automatic enrollment in CARE is also available if you or a member of your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a qualifying level of need, streamlining the CARE application process for participants.
Public Assistance Programs that Qualify for CARE:
- 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
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to begin is by contacting your utility company directly. Each utility company in California has dedicated resources and application forms for the CARE program. You can reach them by phone or through their websites.
Many utility companies also partner with community agencies that can assist you with the application process. These agencies can provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you complete the necessary paperwork.
Contact Your Utility Provider for CARE Application and Information:
The following table provides contact information and website links for major utility companies in California, making it easy for you to access the CARE program application and further details.
| 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 |
What if You Don’t Qualify for CARE? Explore FERA.
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for energy bill assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a 18% discount on your electricity bill and is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective Through May 31, 2025)
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 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 |
Take Action and снизить Your Energy Costs Today
The California CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources designed to help eligible households manage their energy expenses. Don’t let high utility bills strain your finances. Contact your utility company today to learn more about these programs, determine your eligibility, and begin the application process. снизить your energy bills and gain greater financial stability through these helpful California initiatives.
