Are you struggling to manage your energy bills in California? The Edison Care Fera Program and similar initiatives across the state are designed to help eligible low-income households reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. If you’re looking for ways to save on your utility bills, understanding these programs is the first step towards financial relief.
Understanding the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers significant discounts to income-qualified customers. If you are enrolled in CARE, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This substantial reduction can make a real difference in your monthly budget.
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on your household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you participate in certain public assistance programs. These include:
- 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
The CARE program is available through various utility companies across California. Here are the contact details and website links for some of the major providers, including Edison:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program provides another avenue for savings. The FERA program offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s specifically designed to assist families who are just above the CARE income threshold but still need help managing energy costs.
FERA is currently available to customers of:
- Southern California Edison (Edison CARE FERA program)
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, reflecting its purpose to serve a slightly broader range of moderate-income households. The income limits effective through May 31, 2025, are:
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,641 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,401 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,161 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,921 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,681 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,441 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
Take the Next Step: Contact Your Utility Provider
If you believe you may be eligible for either the CARE or FERA program, the best course of action is to contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with detailed application information and answer any specific questions you have about eligibility and enrollment. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore these valuable resources designed to make energy bills more affordable for California residents. For Edison customers specifically interested in the Edison CARE FERA program, use the contact information listed above to start saving today.
