Are you finding it challenging to manage your energy expenses in California? Southern California Edison (SCE) and other California utility companies offer crucial assistance through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs. These programs are designed to provide significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible households. If you’re looking to reduce your utility costs, understanding the SCE CARE and FERA rate programs is your first step towards financial relief.
What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program?
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers substantial discounts to low-income customers. If you qualify for CARE, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This reduction can significantly ease the burden of monthly utility payments, allowing families to allocate their resources more effectively.
Eligibility for the CARE program 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
To apply for the CARE program, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility has its own application process, often available on their website. Here are the contact details for major California utilities:
| 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 Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for savings. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s important to note that FERA is specifically for electricity and is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of moderate-income households. The income thresholds effective through May 31, 2025, are detailed below:
| 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 FERA, and to apply, you should contact your electric utility provider. They can provide detailed information about the program requirements and guide you through the application process. Take advantage of these programs to manage your energy costs effectively.
Take Action to Lower Your Utility Bills
Both the CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for California residents seeking to lower their energy bills. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application processes for SCE CARE and FERA rate programs, you can take proactive steps towards making your energy expenses more manageable. Contact your utility provider today to explore these options and start saving.
