California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program

The CARE program offers a monthly discount of up to 35% off your bill which can mean saving of up to $275 each year based on average energy use.  If you’re eligible you will typically see the discount within 30 days of receipt of your application.

Existing customers

Apply Now

Have a current bill handy as you will
need your account information.

New customers

Apply Now

If you are a new customer
or don't have an account number


How to Qualify

CARE eligibility is based on income and household size. However, you may qualify if you participate in a public assistance program.

People in household

Maximum income*

1-2$31,800
3$37,400
4$45,100
5$52,800
6$60,500
7 or moreAdd $7,700 for each additional person

For each additional person in your household over six people, add $7,700.

 

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

You can also apply by phone

Call 1-877-646-5525 and apply using our automated system.

Have a current bill handy as you will need your account information.

Questions?

Email us at billdiscount@sdge.com or call us at 1-800-411-7343.

Participation Rules
  • Your name is on your home’s SDG&E account and the address is your primary residence.  You can also apply if you are a co-applicant on your account as long as your name is on your home account.

  • You are not claimed on another person’s income tax return other than your spouse.

  • Your household must meet income guidelines or participate in designated public assistance programs. Total current household income = Total income of all persons living in your house, condo, apartment or mobile home.

  • You must renew your application when requested. Typically customers remain on the program for two years. 

  • You may be asked to verify your income.

  • You must notify SDG&E if you no longer qualify or no longer wish to participate.  Email us at billdiscount@sdge.com or call us at 1-800-411-7343.


 

How do I qualify?
You're enrolled in the following public assistance programs:
  • Medicaid/Medi-Cal
  • Healthy Families A&B
  • SNAP/CalFresh (Food Stamps)
  • Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal only)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF
  • Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Your total current income is no more than the income level below:
Maximum Allowable Income*
 No. of Household MembersCARE / Energy Savings Assistance ProgramFERA 
 
 1 or 2$31,800(Not Eligible) 
 3$37,400$37,401 - $46,800 
 4$45,100$45,101 - $56,400 
 5$52,800$52,801 - $66,000 
 6$60,500$60,501 - $75,600 
 Each additional memberadd $7,700add $7,700 - $9,600 

 

Sub-metered or non-profit group living facility customers

For customers living in a mobile home park or submetered facility, please apply here

For non-profit living facilities with 501(c)(3) status, please apply here