California offers crucial support to households struggling with energy costs through two main programs: the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. Both CARE and FERA aim to lower your monthly utility bills, but they cater to different income levels and offer varying levels of discounts. Understanding the nuances of each program is key to determining which one you might be eligible for and how to apply.
What is the CARE Program?
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to assist low-income households in managing their energy expenses. If you qualify for CARE, you can receive a significant discount on your utility bills. Specifically, the CARE program provides a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This substantial reduction can make a real difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
Eligibility for CARE 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 limits, 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
What is the FERA Program?
The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program serves as a safety net for families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits. FERA provides a more modest discount, specifically an 18% discount on electricity bills. While FERA only applies to electric bills and offers a smaller percentage reduction than CARE, it’s still a valuable resource for moderate-income families in California to help manage their energy costs. It’s important to note that FERA is currently available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (Edison), and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E).
FERA eligibility is also determined by household income, with higher income thresholds compared to CARE. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are outlined 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 |
Key Differences Between CARE and FERA
The primary difference between CARE and FERA lies in income eligibility and the discount amount. CARE is for lower-income households and offers a more substantial discount on both electricity and natural gas. FERA is for moderate-income families, provides a smaller discount, and only applies to electricity bills.
Here’s a table summarizing the key distinctions:
| Feature | CARE Program | FERA Program |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Low-income households | Moderate-income households |
| Discount on Electricity | 30-35% | 18% |
| Discount on Natural Gas | 20% | None |
| Income Limits | Lower | Higher |
| Program Availability | Widely available across California | Available for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers |
Understanding these differences is crucial to determining which program best fits your household’s financial situation. If your income is within the lower CARE limits, you should definitely apply for CARE to maximize your energy bill savings. If your income is slightly above the CARE limits but within the FERA range, FERA can still provide valuable assistance.
How to Apply and Get More Information
To apply for either the CARE or FERA program, the first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company manages its own application process and can provide specific details regarding eligibility and required documentation. You can reach out to them via phone or through their websites.
Here are the contact details and website links for major California utility providers:
| 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 |
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider to explore these valuable programs and potentially lower your energy bills. These programs are designed to help California residents manage their energy costs and ensure access to essential services.
