For residents in California struggling to manage their energy expenses, the state offers crucial support through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs. These initiatives are designed to provide significant discounts on electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible households.
The CARE program offers a substantial discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for qualifying low-income customers. This discount can significantly ease the financial burden of essential energy services.
To determine eligibility and apply for the CARE program, it’s essential to contact your utility company directly. They can provide detailed information and application forms. Below is a table listing major utility companies in California along with their contact information and website links for energy assistance programs, including CARE.
| 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 Program Income Eligibility
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. Customers whose total household income falls at or below the specified limits are encouraged to apply. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. The current income limits 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 |
Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also qualifies households for CARE. 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
The CARE program is funded through a surcharge on the utility bills of non-CARE customers, ensuring its sustainability and reach to those who need it most. It’s overseen by the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB), which advises the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on low-income energy assistance programs. You can find more information about LIOB at http://www.liob.org/.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program provides another avenue for energy bill relief. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are set at a slightly higher threshold than CARE, targeting households that are still income-constrained but don’t qualify for the deeper CARE discounts. 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 |
To determine if your family qualifies for the FERA program, and to apply, it is crucial to contact your electric utility provider directly. They can offer personalized guidance and application assistance. Both CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for Californians seeking to manage their energy costs. By reaching out to your utility company, you can take the first step towards accessing these valuable benefits.
