Are you finding it difficult to keep up with your energy bills in California? You might be relieved to know about two state programs designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs: the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. These programs offer significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable. Let’s delve into the details of each program to see if you qualify and how you can benefit.
What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program?
The CARE program is designed to provide a substantial discount on energy bills for low-income households. 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 discount can significantly lower your monthly expenses and make your energy bills more manageable.
Eligibility for the CARE Program
You can qualify for the CARE program through two main pathways: income guidelines or enrollment in certain public assistance programs.
Income Guidelines for CARE
Your household income must be at or below the following limits to qualify for CARE. These income limits are updated annually and 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 |
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income is slightly above the guidelines, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in any of the following public assistance programs:
- 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
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for CARE is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company. They will provide you with an application form and guide you through the process. You can reach out to your utility provider using the contact information below or visit their websites for more details and online application options.
| 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 program limits, the FERA program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. The FERA program provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It is specifically available to customers of:
- Southern California Edison
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Eligibility for the FERA Program
The FERA program has its own income guidelines, which are higher than CARE but still designed to assist moderate-income families. The following income limits are 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 |
How to Apply for the FERA Program
Similar to the CARE program, you can apply for FERA by contacting your electric utility company directly. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and information. Use the contact details provided in the utility table above to inquire about the FERA program and application process.
Key Differences Between CARE and FERA
While both CARE and FERA aim to assist households with energy costs, there are key distinctions:
- Discount Amount: CARE offers a larger discount (30-35% on electricity, 20% on gas) compared to FERA (18% on electricity only).
- Income Limits: CARE has lower income limits, targeting low-income households. FERA serves families with slightly higher incomes that are still struggling with energy bills.
- Program Availability: CARE is available across a wider range of utility providers in California, while FERA is currently limited to Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company for electricity discounts.
Take the Next Step to Save on Your Energy Bills
If you believe you may qualify for either the Care Or Fera Program, don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider. These programs are valuable resources funded to help eligible California residents manage their energy expenses. Contact your utility today to request an application and start saving!
