With the rising cost of living, managing household expenses is more important than ever. For California residents, especially those with lower incomes, utility bills can be a significant burden. Fortunately, California offers assistance 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 help eligible households reduce their energy costs, making bills more affordable. Let’s delve into the details of the Care And Fera Program to see if you qualify and how you can benefit.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state-mandated initiative that provides significant discounts on energy bills for eligible low-income customers. If you are enrolled in the CARE program, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These substantial savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget, ensuring access to essential energy services without financial strain. The CARE program is funded through a rate surcharge paid by all other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and broad reach.
Income Eligibility for CARE
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program has specific income guidelines that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the current income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are detailed in the table 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 |
CARE Eligibility Criteria
Beyond income limits, you can also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in any of the following programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE:
- 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
This broad range of qualifying programs ensures that individuals and families already receiving assistance can easily access energy bill relief through CARE.
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 savings. The FERA program provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less than the CARE discount, it still provides significant financial relief for eligible families who are just above the low-income threshold but still need assistance managing energy costs. It’s important to note that FERA is currently available to customers of specific utility companies: Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Income Eligibility for FERA
The FERA program has its own income guidelines, set at a higher level than CARE, to accommodate families with slightly higher incomes. These income limits are also effective through May 31, 2025, and are detailed below, compared with CARE income limits for context:
| 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 and Get More Information
To take advantage of the care and fera program benefits, the first step is to determine your eligibility based on the income guidelines and public assistance program enrollment. Once you believe you are eligible, the next step is to apply through your utility company. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information by contacting your utility company directly. Many utility companies also provide online application options through their websites.
Below is a table listing the major utility companies in California regulated by the Commission, along with their contact information and website links to their CARE program pages:
| 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 CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for California residents struggling with energy costs. By providing substantial discounts on electricity and natural gas bills, these programs help ensure that affordable energy is accessible to low- and moderate-income families. If you believe you may qualify for either the care and fera program, take the initiative to check the income guidelines and contact your utility provider today. Reducing your energy bills can lead to significant savings and greater financial stability.
