How to apply for California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)

Who it's for

CARE is a CPUC-regulated discount on energy bills for income-qualified California households. Enrollees of the major investor-owned utilities (PG&E, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, SoCalGas) receive a 30–35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. Smaller utilities offer a 20% discount on both. Eligibility is met through either an income test (household income at or below the CPUC-published limit, which varies by household size) or a program test (current participation in Medi-Cal, CalFresh/SNAP, SSI, LIHEAP, WIC, National School Lunch Program, TANF/CalWORKs, Tribal TANF, BIA General Assistance, Head Start (Tribal), or Healthy Families A&B). Either path qualifies the household — both don't have to be met.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income (Social Security award letter, pay stubs, pension statements) OR proof of current participation in a qualifying assistance program (Medi-Cal card, CalFresh notice, SSI award letter, LIHEAP confirmation, etc.)
• A recent utility bill showing your service account number
• Proof of California residency

Where to apply

Renewals

biennial