Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills in California? You might be eligible for assistance programs designed to ease the financial burden for low-to-moderate income households. Two key programs, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, offer significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills. This guide will explain what the SCE CARE and FERA programs are, their benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, particularly if you are a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households afford their energy bills. It provides a substantial discount on both electricity and natural gas services, making energy more accessible for those who qualify.
What is CARE?
CARE is a state-mandated program that offers a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for eligible customers. This discount is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring support for those most in need. The program is available across various utility companies in California, including Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), among others.
CARE Program Benefits
The primary benefit of the CARE program is the significant reduction in your monthly energy expenses. These discounts can free up crucial funds for other essential needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare. By lowering the cost of energy, CARE aims to improve the financial stability and well-being of participating households.
CARE Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The income limits are updated annually and are dependent on household size. As of June 1, 2024, the income eligibility upper limits are as follows:
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for CARE
To apply for the CARE program, you need to contact your utility company directly. For Southern California Edison (SCE) customers, you can visit the SCE website dedicated to the CARE program or call their dedicated phone line. The application process typically involves providing proof of income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. You can find application forms and detailed information on your utility provider’s website or by contacting their customer service department.
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 energy bill relief. FERA provides a discount specifically on electricity bills to help moderate-income households manage their energy costs.
What is FERA?
FERA is designed as a supplement to the CARE program, extending assistance to families who are just above the CARE income thresholds but still need help with their energy bills. The FERA program offers an 18% discount on electricity bills. It is currently available to customers of Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
FERA Program Benefits
Like CARE, the FERA program aims to reduce the financial strain of energy costs for eligible households. While the discount percentage is slightly lower than CARE, the 18% reduction on electricity bills can still result in significant savings throughout the year, making energy expenses more manageable for moderate-income families.
FERA Eligibility Requirements
FERA has higher income limits than CARE, targeting households that are considered moderate-income. The income limits for FERA are based on 250% of the federal poverty guidelines and are also adjusted periodically. As of May 31, 2025, the income limits are as follows:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
To qualify for FERA, your household income must fall within these limits. Unlike CARE, FERA eligibility is solely based on income and does not include automatic qualification through enrollment in public assistance programs.
How to Apply for FERA
To apply for the FERA program, similar to CARE, you should contact your electric utility provider. For SCE customers interested in the FERA program, visiting the SCE website or contacting their customer service is the first step. The application will require you to provide documentation to verify your household income. Check with SCE or your relevant utility provider for specific application instructions and required documents.
SCE and the CARE and FERA Programs
Southern California Edison (SCE) actively participates in both the CARE and FERA programs, offering these valuable discounts to its eligible customers. If you are an SCE customer and believe you may qualify for either CARE or FERA, it is highly recommended to explore these options. SCE provides dedicated resources and customer service to assist you with the application process and answer any questions you may have about these programs.
Contact Information for California Utilities
For easy access, here is a table with contact information for various California utility companies offering CARE programs. Whether you are an SCE customer or use another provider, you can find the relevant contact details below to inquire about CARE and FERA and start your application process.
| 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 |
Conclusion
The SCE CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for California residents struggling with energy costs. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application processes for both programs, you can take proactive steps to reduce your utility bills and improve your household’s financial well-being. Contact your utility provider, such as Southern California Edison, today to learn more and determine if you qualify for these valuable energy assistance programs.
