Are you finding it challenging to manage your energy bills in California? You’re not alone, and fortunately, there are resources designed to help. California offers two key programs, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, aimed at providing financial relief on your utility bills. Understanding the Care Fera Program Application process and eligibility requirements is the first step towards accessing these valuable benefits. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to determine if you qualify and how to apply for these programs, ensuring you can keep your lights on and home comfortable without breaking the bank.
Understanding the CARE Program: Lowering Your Energy Costs
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to assist low-income households by providing significant discounts on their energy bills. If you’re eligible for CARE, you could 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 expenses, freeing up your budget for other essential needs.
Who is Eligible for CARE?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. There are specific income limits that vary depending on your household size. As of the latest guidelines, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025. You can find a detailed table of these income limits below.
Beyond income, you may also automatically qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you are very likely eligible for CARE and should explore the care fera program application process.
Exploring the FERA Program: Assistance for Moderate-Income Families
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While the discount is slightly less than CARE, it’s still a significant benefit for moderate-income families striving to manage their household budgets. It’s important to note that FERA is currently available to customers of specific utility companies: Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Eligibility:
FERA eligibility also hinges on household income, with limits set higher than CARE to accommodate families with slightly higher incomes. Refer to the income guidelines table provided later in this article to see if your household income falls within the FERA eligibility range.
Care Fera Program Application: How to Apply
The care fera program application process is straightforward. The primary way to apply for both CARE and FERA is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company has dedicated resources and application forms available to assist you.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify Your Utility Provider: Determine which utility company provides your electricity and/or natural gas service.
- Visit the Utility Website or Call Customer Service: The quickest way to access application forms and information is through your utility company’s website. You can also call their customer service line for assistance. Contact information and website links for major California utilities are provided below.
- Complete the Application Form: Carefully fill out the application form, providing accurate information about your household income, size, and any participation in qualifying public assistance programs.
- Submit Your Application: Follow the instructions provided by your utility company to submit your application. This may involve online submission, mail, or another method.
Utility Contact Information and Websites for Program Applications
To simplify your care fera program application process, here is a table with contact details and website links for major California utility companies. These resources will lead you directly to CARE and FERA program information and application forms.
| 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 |
CARE and FERA Income Guidelines
Review the following income guidelines to determine your potential eligibility for both the CARE and FERA programs. These guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
| 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 Towards Energy Savings
Navigating your energy bills can be less stressful. By understanding the CARE and FERA programs and the care fera program application process, you can take control of your energy expenses. Contact your utility provider today to explore your eligibility and begin your application. These programs are funded to help you, so don’t hesitate to reach out and see how much you can save.
