снизить ваши счета за электроэнергию в Калифорнии: The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs are vital initiatives designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy expenses. These programs offer significant discounts on monthly utility bills, making energy more affordable for those who need it most. If you’re a California resident struggling with energy costs, understanding CARE and FERA could be the first step towards substantial savings.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program provides a substantial discount to eligible low-income customers on their energy bills. Participants in the CARE program receive a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This can significantly lower the monthly expenses for households facing financial constraints.
CARE Program Eligibility
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. Customers are eligible if their total household income is at or below the income limits outlined in the table below. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
| 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 may also qualify for CARE if you or a member of 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for the CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for CARE
To apply for the CARE program, you need to contact your utility company directly. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and guide you through the process. Many utility companies also offer online applications through their websites, making it even easier to apply.
Here is a list of major California utility companies and 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 |
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 an 18% discount on electricity bills. While less than CARE, it still offers substantial savings for eligible families.
FERA Program Eligibility
The FERA program has slightly higher income limits than CARE, designed to assist families who are just above the low-income threshold but still need help managing energy costs.
| 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 |
It’s important to note that FERA is specifically for electricity bill discounts and is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
How to Apply for FERA
The application process for FERA is similar to CARE. You should contact your electric utility, if it is one of the participating utilities (PG&E, Southern California Edison, or SDG&E), to request an application and get detailed information about the program. Utility websites are also excellent resources for FERA program information and online applications.
Take Advantage of CARE and FERA
The CARE and FERA programs represent significant opportunities for eligible California residents to reduce their energy costs. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application processes for both CARE and FERA, you can take proactive steps to make your energy bills more manageable. Contact your utility provider today to learn more and apply for the program that best fits your household’s needs. снизить ваши счета за электроэнергию в Калифорнии and improve your financial well-being through these valuable assistance programs.
