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

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may 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 — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need one of the following: proof of household income (such as a Social Security award letter, pay stubs, or pension statements) OR proof of current participation in a qualifying assistance program (such as a Medi-Cal card, CalFresh notice, SSI award letter, or LIHEAP confirmation). You do not need both — either one works.
2. Locate a recent utility bill from your energy provider. You will need the service account number printed on that bill.
3. Have proof of California residency ready to include with your application.
4. Choose how you want to apply. You can apply online through your utility's CARE enrollment portal or call 1-866-743-2273 to apply by phone.
5. Submit your application along with your supporting documents through the channel you chose.

What to expect: After submitting, your utility provider will review your application and documents. Processing times vary, so contact your utility or call 1-866-743-2273 for an estimate on when to expect a decision. If approved, the CARE discount — 30–35% off electric bills and 20% off natural gas bills for major investor-owned utilities, or 20% off both for smaller utilities — will be applied to your account. Because CARE requires renewal every two years, watch for a renewal notice from your utility and respond promptly to avoid losing your discount.

Renewals

biennial

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