Are you a California resident struggling with your energy bills? You might be eligible for significant discounts through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs. These initiatives are designed to help income-qualified households manage their utility costs, ensuring access to essential energy services. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Care And Fera Programs, from eligibility requirements to application steps, and how these programs can provide much-needed financial relief.
Decoding the CARE Program: Affordable Energy for Low-Income Households
The CARE program is a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) initiative that offers substantial discounts on electricity and natural gas bills for eligible low-income customers. Participating in CARE can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, providing a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This can make a real difference in household budgets, allowing families to allocate funds to other essential needs.
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are structured 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 automatically qualify for CARE if you are enrolled 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
To apply for the CARE program and start saving on your energy bills, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility provider has dedicated resources and application processes for CARE. Here’s a handy table with contact information for major California utility companies:
| 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 FERA Program: Assistance for Families Near the Income Threshold
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 less substantial than CARE, it still offers valuable savings for eligible households. FERA is currently available to customers of:
- Southern California Edison
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
The income guidelines for FERA are set at a slightly higher threshold than CARE, targeting families who are just above the low-income bracket. 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 |
To determine your eligibility for FERA and to apply, it’s essential to contact your electric utility provider. They can guide you through the application process and confirm if FERA is the right program for your family’s needs.
Take Action Today: Lower Your Energy Bills with CARE and FERA
Navigating energy costs can be challenging, but the CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for California residents. By taking advantage of these programs, eligible households can significantly reduce their monthly utility bills, freeing up financial resources for other critical needs.
Don’t wait to see if you qualify. Review the income guidelines, check if you participate in any qualifying public assistance programs, and reach out to your utility company today. They are your best point of contact for application forms, detailed program information, and personalized assistance. Start saving money and ensuring energy affordability for your household by exploring the CARE and FERA programs now.
