California residents facing challenges with their energy bills have access to vital support through two key programs: the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. These initiatives are designed to make energy more affordable for eligible households by providing significant discounts on electricity and natural gas bills. Understanding these programs can be crucial for families looking to manage their utility expenses.
Understanding the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to low-income customers, significantly easing the burden of energy costs. Participants in the CARE program benefit from a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This can translate to considerable savings throughout the year, helping families allocate their resources more effectively.
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the income limits specified for your household size, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in living costs. The current income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, as detailed below:
| 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 be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These qualifying 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
These expanded eligibility criteria ensure that a broader range of low-income households can access the financial relief offered by the CARE program. The CARE program is funded through a small surcharge on the bills of other utility customers, making it a community-supported initiative.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the FERA program provides another avenue for energy bill assistance. The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers a 18% discount on electricity bills. While less than CARE, it still provides significant savings for eligible families.
FERA is specifically available to customers of the following utility companies:
- Southern California Edison
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
To qualify for FERA, your household income must be within the program’s guidelines, which are set slightly higher than CARE’s limits. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are detailed in the table 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 |
How to Apply for CARE and FERA Programs
Applying for both the CARE and FERA programs is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company manages its own CARE and FERA applications. You can reach out to them via phone or, more conveniently, through their websites. Utility websites usually have dedicated sections explaining the CARE and FERA programs and provide online application forms.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major California utility providers to help you get started:
| 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 |
In addition to contacting your utility directly, application forms are also often available through various community agencies and organizations. These agencies can provide assistance with the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Conclusion
The CARE and FERA programs are essential resources for California residents struggling to afford their energy bills. By providing substantial discounts, these programs help ensure that low-income households can maintain essential utility services. If you believe you may be eligible for either CARE or FERA, reaching out to your utility company is the first step towards accessing these valuable benefits. Don’t hesitate to explore these programs and take advantage of the assistance available to make your energy bills more manageable.
