Low-income customers that are enrolled in the CARE program receive a 20 percent discount on their electric and natural gas bills. CARE is funded through a rate surcharge paid by all other utility customers.
Eligible customers are those whose total household income is at or below the income limits indicated below. These income limits may be adjusted each year depending on inflation.
Income limits are effective June 1, 2008, through May 31, 2009.
| |
|
|
Household Size |
Care Income Limit |
|
1 to 2 |
$30,500 |
|
3 |
$35,800 |
|
4 |
$43,200 |
|
5 |
$50,600 |
|
6 |
$58,000 |
|
Each additional |
$7,400 |
To request an application form and more information, please contact your utility company or check out their websites for more information. The utilities the Commission regulates are:
|
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
| Utility |
Emergency Payment |
Website |
| PG&E |
800-933-9677 |
CARE |
| Edison |
866-675-6623 |
CARE |
| SDG&E |
800-411-7343 |
CARE |
| SoCalGas |
800-427-2200 |
CARE |
| Alpine Nat'l Gas |
209-772-3006 |
|
| Bear Valley Elect |
800-999-4033 |
|
| PacifiCorp |
503-813-5000 |
|
| Sierra Pacific |
800-782-2498 |
|
| Southwest Gas |
800-443-8093 |
Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas |
916-364-4100 |
|
Application forms also are available through numerous community agencies.
California has a Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB), which was established by the Legislature to advise the PUC on the energy low-income assistance programs of utilities under the PUC's jurisdiction.