Are you a California resident looking for ways to lower your energy bills? You might be eligible for significant discounts through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs. These initiatives are designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs, ensuring access to essential utilities. As a content creator for cardiagnostictool.store and an automotive repair expert, I understand the importance of managing expenses, and these programs can offer substantial relief. Let’s delve into how the Care Fera Program can benefit you.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program provides a substantial discount on your monthly utility bills. Specifically, enrolled customers receive a 30-35 percent discount on electricity bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This can lead to significant savings throughout the year, making energy more affordable for eligible households. The program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and reach.
CARE Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, and are structured 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 automatically qualify for CARE if you or someone in your household is 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
How to Apply for CARE
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed information about the program. Many utility companies also offer online applications through their websites, making the process even more convenient.
For your convenience, here is a table listing contact information and website links for major California utility providers offering the CARE program:
| 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 electricity bills. While less than the CARE discount, it still offers significant financial assistance to help manage energy costs for eligible families. It’s important to note that FERA specifically applies to electricity bills and is available to customers of:
- Southern California Edison
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
FERA Eligibility: Income Limits
FERA is designed for households with slightly higher income levels than CARE. The income limits for FERA are set at 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. These limits are also updated periodically. The current income limits, effective through May 31, 2025, are as follows:
| 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 FERA
Similar to the CARE program, the application process for FERA involves contacting your electric utility company. They can provide you with the specific application forms and guide you through the necessary steps. Check the websites listed in the CARE contact table for Edison, SDG&E, and PG&E, as these are the providers for the FERA program.
Conclusion
Navigating energy costs can be challenging, but California’s CARE and FERA programs offer valuable assistance to income-qualified households. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application processes for both the CARE fera program, you can take a proactive step towards managing your utility expenses and ensuring energy affordability. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider to learn more and begin your application today. For additional oversight and information on low-income energy assistance programs in California, you can also visit the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB).
