Millions of Californians struggle to afford their energy bills. Fortunately, assistance is available through programs like the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs, especially for customers of Southern California Edison (SCE). These programs are designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity and gas expenses. If you’re wondering, What Is Sce Care Fera Program, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of these vital initiatives, helping you understand eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Understanding the SCE CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers significant discounts on energy bills for eligible low-income customers. If you qualify for SCE CARE, you can receive a substantial discount on your monthly utility costs. Specifically, the CARE program provides a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts can make a significant difference in managing household expenses for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program uses income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. 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 |
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are currently 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
The CARE program is funded through a small surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, ensuring that those most in need receive assistance to maintain essential energy services.
Exploring the FERA Program for Moderate-Income Families
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. It’s specifically designed for moderate-income households who might not qualify for CARE but still need help managing their energy costs. Currently, FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, reflecting its aim to assist a broader range of families. The income thresholds for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are outlined below:
| 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 |
If your household income falls within these ranges, you should explore whether the FERA program can provide valuable assistance in lowering your electricity expenses.
How to Apply for SCE CARE and FERA
Applying for both the CARE and FERA programs is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company, in this case, Southern California Edison. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the specific requirements and application process directly from SCE.
SCE provides multiple channels for you to access information and application forms:
- Website: Visit the SCE website dedicated to assistance programs. This is often the quickest way to access online applications and program details.
- Phone: Call SCE’s dedicated assistance program line for personalized support and to request application materials be mailed to you.
For your convenience, here are the contact details for SCE and other major California utilities offering CARE 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 |
Community agencies also often have CARE application forms available. These local organizations can provide additional support and guidance throughout the application process.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Assistance Programs
Understanding what is sce care fera program and whether you qualify is the first step towards reducing your energy burden. Both the CARE and FERA programs are invaluable resources for eligible Southern California Edison customers. By taking advantage of these programs, you can secure significant discounts on your electricity and gas bills, making your energy costs more manageable. Don’t hesitate to contact SCE today to explore your eligibility and begin the application process. Lower energy bills and greater financial stability could be just an application away.
