They help low income households in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties with utility assistance and home improvement. Their income requirements are listed on the website. You can sign up for assistance online on their website or you can call and get an application mailed to you. They have staff that speak Spanish and English. CARES offers the following programs:

CARE: a discount rate program offered by PG&E which gives eligible low-income households a 20% discount on their energy bill.

FAST TRACK: emergency energy bill payment for those facing shut offs or a past due balance

HEAP: provides payment assistance with home energy bills. The one time per calendar year payment varies depending on income, household size, and funding. Households facing shutoff (customer has received 15-day or 48-hour notice) may receive immediate help at emergency service sites centrally located in San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Applicants should call 1-888-728-3637 toll-free number for current locations and hours.

WEATHERIZATION: Energy efficiency-improving measures are done in the home to reduce energy costs. This program is available to renters as well as homeowners. Owners of rental property are not charged when these services are provided for their tenants. Weatherization services may include:

• Heating and gas appliance safety and efficiency inspection with possible repair or replacement of existing systems.
• On-site home inspection to determine energy losses.
• In-house crew implementation for installation of energy conservation and heat loss measures.
• Post work inspection of quality, safety, and client satisfaction