California offers vital assistance programs to help eligible households manage their energy costs: the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. Both CARE and FERA are designed to lower your monthly electricity and gas bills, but they cater to different income levels and offer varying discount amounts. Understanding the nuances of each program is key to determining which one you might qualify for and how to apply.
The CARE program is tailored for low-income households, providing substantial discounts of 30-35% on electric bills and 20% on natural gas bills. This program ensures that essential energy services remain affordable for vulnerable populations. Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income, with specific upper limits that adjust annually. For instance, a household of 1-2 people must have an annual income at or below $40,880 to qualify, while a household of 4 can qualify with an income up to $62,400. These income limits are effective until May 31, 2025. Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs like Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, SSI, and others also automatically qualifies a household for CARE, simplifying the application process for those already receiving aid.
On the other hand, the FERA program is designed as a safety net for families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE thresholds but still struggle with energy expenses. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills only, and is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (Edison), and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E). The income limits for FERA are set higher than CARE, targeting households with slightly higher income levels who still need assistance. For example, a family of four can qualify for FERA with an income up to $78,000, while the CARE limit for the same household size is $62,400.
| 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 |
Key Differences at a Glance:
- Income Eligibility: CARE has lower income limits, targeting low-income households. FERA has higher income limits, designed for families with slightly higher incomes than CARE allows.
- Discount Rates: CARE offers a more substantial discount (30-35% on electricity, 20% on gas). FERA provides a smaller discount (18% on electricity only).
- Program Scope: CARE applies to both electricity and natural gas bills across most California utility companies. FERA is specifically for electricity bills and is available to customers of the major investor-owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E).
To determine your eligibility and apply for either the CARE or FERA program, the best step is to contact your utility provider directly. Each utility company has dedicated resources and application forms available on their websites. You can use the table provided to find the contact information and website links for major California utilities. By exploring these resources, you can take the first step towards managing your energy costs and ensuring your household has access to affordable energy.
