The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs are vital initiatives designed to help eligible households manage their energy expenses. These programs offer significant discounts on monthly utility bills, making energy more affordable for low-to-moderate income families in California. If you’re struggling to keep up with energy costs, understanding the Care Fera Program and its benefits could be crucial.
California CARE Program: Lowering Energy Bills for Eligible Households
The CARE program provides substantial discounts to low-income customers, ensuring access to essential energy services. Enrollees in the CARE program benefit from a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. This significant reduction can make a real difference in household budgets.
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on 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 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
These criteria ensure that the care fera program reaches a wide range of individuals and families in need.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: Additional Support for Families
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers further assistance. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s specifically designed for customers of major California utility companies like Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are set slightly higher than CARE, acknowledging the needs of households with moderately higher incomes. Here are the income limits effective through 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 |
If your household income falls within these ranges and you are a customer of the participating utilities, you should explore the FERA program.
How to Apply for CARE and FERA and Get More Information
To apply for either the CARE or FERA program, or to get detailed information, the best step is to directly contact your utility company. Their websites and customer service lines are equipped to provide application forms and answer any specific questions you may have about the care fera program.
Below is a table with contact information for major California utility providers to help you access the care fera program:
| 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 |
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider to explore how the care fera program can help you manage your energy costs and ensure consistent access to these essential services. These programs are designed to support California residents, and utilizing them can provide significant financial relief.
