For Californians seeking to manage their energy costs, especially those with lower incomes, understanding available assistance programs is crucial. Two key programs in California are the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. As solar energy adoption becomes increasingly popular, a common question arises: does going solar affect your eligibility or benefits within the CARE program? This article clarifies the relationship between solar energy and the CARE program, ensuring you have the information needed to make informed decisions about your energy future.
Understanding the CARE Program: A Safety Net for Energy Bills
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy expenses. It provides significant discounts on monthly utility bills, specifically offering a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. This substantial reduction can make a significant difference for families and individuals striving to afford essential services.
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are 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 |
Image of CARE Income Guidelines Table
Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies households for CARE. 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
This broad eligibility criteria ensures that CARE is accessible to a wide range of Californians in need of energy bill assistance.
Solar Energy and CARE Program Compatibility: Can They Work Together?
The good news for those considering solar energy is that installing solar panels does not disqualify you from participating in the CARE program. In fact, solar energy and CARE can be a powerful combination for lowering your overall energy costs.
The CARE program provides a discount on the energy you do use from the grid. Solar panels, on the other hand, reduce your energy consumption from the grid in the first place by generating your own clean electricity. By using solar energy, you inherently lower your energy bills, and the CARE discount is then applied to the reduced amount you owe.
Think of it this way: solar energy helps you minimize your energy usage, while CARE helps make the remaining necessary energy more affordable. They are complementary, not contradictory.
Image of Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs Table
Furthermore, many solar programs and incentives are designed to be accessible to low-income households, recognizing the importance of energy affordability and the benefits of solar for everyone. Combining these incentives with the CARE program can make solar energy even more financially viable.
FERA: An Additional Assistance Option
For households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, designed to assist families who are still cost-conscious about energy but might not qualify for the deeper CARE discounts.
| 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 |
Image of CARE FERA Income Guidelines Comparison Table
While FERA’s discount is less than CARE, it still provides valuable assistance, and like CARE, it is compatible with solar energy adoption.
Taking the Next Steps: Applying for CARE and Exploring Solar
If you believe you may be eligible for the CARE program, or if you are interested in learning more about how solar energy can further reduce your energy costs while participating in CARE, the next step is to contact your utility company directly.
Each utility company in California manages its CARE program enrollment. You can find contact information and website links in the table provided earlier in this article, or on your utility bill. Utility websites typically offer online applications and detailed information about both CARE and FERA programs.
By exploring both energy assistance programs like CARE and clean energy solutions like solar, Californians can take proactive steps towards achieving energy affordability and sustainability. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider to discover the options available to you.
