California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)

Apply for CARE

Please contact your utility company or check out their websites to request an application form and receive more information. The utilities we regulate are:

Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs

Application forms also are available through many community agencies. CARE is funded through a rate surcharge paid by all other utility customers. These income limits may be adjusted each year depending on inflation.

Qualifications

If your total household income is at or below the income limits below, you are eligible for the CARE program. Income limits are effective June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.

CARE Income Guidelines

You may also be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in public assistance programs such as:

• 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

Reports 

• CARE Monthly and Annual Reports