California offers crucial support to low-income households struggling with energy costs through two main programs: the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. These initiatives provide significant discounts on monthly utility bills, helping eligible residents manage their expenses. Let’s delve into each program to understand their benefits, eligibility requirements, and address the key question: can you benefit from both CARE and FERA?
Exploring the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The CARE program is designed to assist low-income households by providing substantial discounts on their energy bills. Customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This can significantly reduce the financial burden of essential utilities.
Who is Eligible for CARE?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the income limits outlined below, you may qualify for CARE.
| 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 be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 CARE is straightforward. The best way to start is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information about the program. Utility companies also often provide online resources on their websites dedicated to CARE.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
The FERA program serves as a next level of assistance, specifically for families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s important to note that FERA is currently available to customers of specific utility companies: Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Income Eligibility
FERA targets households with slightly higher income levels than CARE. The income limits for FERA are based on 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. Here are the income limits effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
Applying for FERA
To determine your eligibility and apply for the FERA program, you should directly contact your electric utility company. They can provide specific guidance and application assistance.
CARE vs. FERA: Can You Get Both Programs?
A common question for those exploring energy assistance is: Can you get both the CARE and FERA programs? The answer is no. These programs are designed to serve different income brackets and are not intended to be combined.
FERA is specifically structured as an alternative for families who do not qualify for CARE due to slightly exceeding the income limits. Think of FERA as a step-up program, providing assistance to those who are still income-constrained but are above the threshold for CARE. You can apply for either CARE or FERA based on your eligibility, but not both simultaneously.
Contact Your Utility Company for More Information
For personalized information and to begin your application process, reaching out to your utility provider is essential. They can clarify eligibility requirements, provide application forms, and answer any specific questions you may have regarding CARE and FERA.
Below is a table with contact information for major California utility companies to inquire about CARE and FERA programs:
| 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 |
Conclusion
Both the CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for California residents struggling to afford energy. While you cannot enroll in both programs, understanding the eligibility criteria for each will help you determine which program best suits your household’s needs. Take the first step towards energy bill relief by contacting your utility company today to explore your options and apply for the program you are eligible for.
