For California residents facing financial constraints, especially within the PG&E service area, understanding programs like CARE and FERA is crucial. These initiatives offer significant discounts on energy bills, helping to make essential utilities more affordable. The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program are designed to support eligible households manage their energy expenses.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that provides substantial discounts to low-income customers on their electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically, those enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This discount can significantly ease the financial burden of utility costs for eligible families.
CARE Program Eligibility and Income Guidelines
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program utilizes income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, 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, automatic enrollment in CARE is also available if you participate 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
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the FERA program offers another avenue for energy bill assistance. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s important to note that FERA is currently available to customers of specific utility companies, including Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Program Income Guidelines
FERA has its own set of income guidelines, designed for households with slightly higher incomes than those eligible for CARE. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are as follows:
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
How to Apply for CARE and FERA, Especially with PG&E
To apply for either the CARE or FERA program, the first step is to contact your utility provider. For PG&E customers, you can reach out to them directly through their dedicated assistance program line or website.
PG&E Contact Information for Assistance Programs:
- Emergency Payment Assistance: 866-743-2273
- CARE Program Information: PG&E CARE Website
You can request an application form and gather more detailed information about eligibility requirements and the application process through these channels. Similar contact options are available for customers of other California utility companies listed below.
Additional Utility Company Resources for CARE and FERA
While PG&E is a major provider, CARE and FERA programs are available across California through various utility companies. Here’s a table with contact information and website links for other providers:
| Utility | Emergency Payment | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | Edison CARE & FERA |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | SDG&E Assistance Programs |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | SoCalGas CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | Alpine Nat’l Gas Programs |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | Bear Valley Elect CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | PacifiCorp Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | Liberty Utilities CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Southwest Gas Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | West Coast Gas CARE |
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Assistance Programs
The CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for eligible California residents to reduce their energy costs. If you believe you may qualify for either program, especially through PG&E, it is highly recommended to contact your utility provider to learn more and begin the application process. These programs are designed to help ensure that all Californians have access to affordable and essential energy services.
