California residents struggling with energy costs might find relief through two key programs: the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. These initiatives are designed to lower your utility bills, but understanding how they work and whether you can benefit from both is crucial. This article will clarify the specifics of CARE and FERA, helping you determine your eligibility and maximize your savings.
Understanding the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The CARE program is a significant support system for low-income households in California. It provides substantial discounts on your monthly utility bills, making energy more affordable. Specifically, CARE offers a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This can translate to considerable savings, easing the financial burden of essential energy services.
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 can also qualify for CARE if you are 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
It’s important to note that the discount percentage can slightly vary depending on your utility provider, particularly between larger and smaller electrical corporations. The CARE program is funded through a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, ensuring its sustainability and reach.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, the FERA program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount specifically on your electricity bill. This program is designed to assist households that are still income-constrained but don’t qualify for the deeper discounts of CARE.
FERA eligibility is also income-based, with higher income thresholds than CARE. Here’s a comparison of the income limits for both programs:
| 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 |
Currently, FERA is available to customers of the following utility companies:
- Southern California Edison
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Can You Receive Benefits from Both CARE and FERA?
The straightforward answer is no, you cannot enroll in both the CARE and FERA programs simultaneously. These programs are designed to serve different income tiers within the low-to-moderate income spectrum. FERA is specifically structured as an alternative for families who are slightly above the CARE income limits but still need assistance with their energy expenses.
Think of it this way: CARE provides a more substantial discount for lower-income households, while FERA acts as a step-up program for those with slightly higher incomes who don’t qualify for CARE. You should first determine if you are eligible for CARE. If your household income is too high for CARE, then FERA might be the right option for you.
It’s crucial to apply for the program that aligns with your current income situation. Applying for CARE first is generally recommended, as it offers broader benefits covering both electricity and natural gas at a higher discount rate, if you qualify.
How to Apply for CARE or FERA and Get More Information
To apply for either the CARE or FERA program, or to simply get more detailed information, your primary point of contact should be your utility company. Each utility provider in California manages the application process for these programs.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major California utility companies, where you can find specific details about CARE and FERA, application forms, and further assistance:
| 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 |
Reaching out to your utility company directly, either through their website or phone, is the most effective step to understanding your eligibility and starting the application process for either CARE or FERA. They can provide the most up-to-date information and guide you through each step.
Conclusion
Navigating energy assistance programs can be complex, but understanding the differences between CARE and FERA is key to accessing the help you need. While you cannot enroll in both programs, both CARE and FERA offer valuable financial assistance to eligible California residents. Determine your eligibility based on the income guidelines and public assistance program enrollment, and contact your utility provider to begin your application and lower your energy bills today.
