Are you finding it increasingly difficult to manage your household expenses, especially your energy bills? In California, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to lend a helping hand. This initiative significantly reduces your electricity and natural gas costs, making it easier for eligible low-income households to Can Care for their essential needs. If you’re looking for ways to alleviate financial pressure and ensure consistent access to energy, understanding CARE is a crucial first step.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Its primary goal is to provide financial assistance to low-income customers, enabling them to afford essential energy services. For those who qualify, CARE offers a substantial discount on their monthly utility bills. Specifically, participants receive a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This can translate to significant savings, freeing up funds for other crucial household needs and ensuring families can care for themselves without facing energy insecurity. Funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, CARE represents a collective effort to support vulnerable communities across California.
Who Can Benefit from CARE? Understanding Eligibility
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely eligible to apply. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. 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 |
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that those already receiving aid through other channels can care for their energy needs as well. 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 and Start Saving: Taking Action with CARE
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility provider in California manages CARE applications for its service area. You can reach out to them via phone or visit their website to request an application form and gather more detailed information. Here’s a quick guide to the contact information for major utility companies in California:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | Website for CARE 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 |
In addition to contacting your utility, application forms are also often available through community agencies. These agencies can provide further assistance and guidance through the application process, ensuring that everyone who is eligible can care and access these crucial benefits.
Exploring Further Assistance: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option to explore: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. While the discount is slightly less than CARE, it still offers significant relief and helps more families can care for their energy needs. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of households.
| Household Size | 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 |
To determine if you qualify for FERA, contact your electric utility provider. They can provide detailed information and guide you through the application process.
Take Control of Your Energy Bills Today
The California CARE and FERA programs are vital resources designed to help eligible households manage their energy costs. By taking advantage of these programs, you can care for your family’s essential needs while ensuring access to reliable energy services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company to learn more and begin your application today. Lower energy bills and greater financial stability can care for your future.
