Reduce your energy bill through the CARE Program

To qualify for CARE:

  • The PG&E bill must be in your name. (For sub-metered tenants, the energy bill from your landlord must be in your name.)
  • You must live at the address to which the discount applies.
  • Another person (besides your spouse) can’t claim you as a dependent on an income tax return.
  • You must not share an energy meter with another home.
  • You must account for all sources of qualifying household income and meet the program income guidelines.
  • You must notify PG&E if your household no longer qualifies for the CARE discount.
  • After you enroll, you may need to provide proof of qualifying household income. You may also be required to participate in the Energy Savings Assistance Program.
  • Your monthly electric usage must not exceed six times the Tier 1 allowance. This is the lowest-priced rate tier within PG&E’s standard Tiered Base Plan.
  • You must renew your eligibility every two years (or every four years if you’re on a fixed income).
  • Qualification is based on the total income of everyone living in the home or participation in qualifying public assistance programs.


Qualifying for CARE based on public assistance program participation

You may qualify for the CARE Program if you or someone in your household takes part in any of the following public assistance programs.

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
  • CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF
  • Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medi-Cal for Families (Healthy Families A & B)
  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Medicaid/Medi-Cal (under age 65)
  • Medicaid/Medi-Cal (age 65 and over)


Qualifying for CARE based on household income

Add all household members' incomes from all eligible sources for your total gross annual household income. The total combined gross annual household income must be at or below the amounts shown in the following table.


COVID-19 NOTE: Household income is calculated as your income as of the date you apply. Your income eligibility is based on current earnings of all persons living in your household going forward. It is not based on your past income, so if you have had a change in circumstances such as job loss or decreased wages, you may now qualify.

Number of Persons in Household Total Gross Annual Household Income*

1-2

$36,620 or less

3

$46,060 or less

4

$55,500 or less

5

$64,940 or less

6

$74,380 or less

7

$83,820 or less

8

$93,260 or less

9

$102,700 or less

10

$112,140 or less

Each additional person, add

$9,440

*Before taxes based on current income sources. Valid through May 31, 2023.

Household income includes all taxable and nontaxable revenues from all people living in the home. It includes, but is not limited to the following sources:

 

  • Wages
  • Salaries
  • Interest and dividends
  • Spousal and child support payments
  • Public assistance payments
  • Social Security and pensions
  • Housing and military subsidies
  • Rental income
  • Self-employment income
  • All employment-related, non-cash income

 

PLEASE NOTE: Your household income must meet the program income guidelines.