California understands the challenges many families face in affording essential services, especially energy. To ease this burden, the state has established programs like CARE and FERA, designed to provide significant discounts on your utility bills. If you’re wondering, what are CARE FERA programs, and how they can help you, this guide is for you.
Understanding these programs can be the first step towards lowering your monthly expenses and ensuring consistent access to essential energy services. Let’s delve into what CARE and FERA are all about and how they can benefit eligible households in California.
Understanding CARE and FERA Programs
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs are initiatives by the state of California to assist households with their energy costs. Administered by utility companies under the oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), these programs offer discounts to eligible customers, making energy bills more manageable.
- CARE Program: Specifically designed for low-income households, CARE provides a substantial discount on both electricity and natural gas bills.
- FERA Program: Aimed at families with slightly higher incomes than CARE allows, FERA offers a discount on electricity bills.
Both programs are funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, reflecting a community effort to support those in need.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The CARE program is a cornerstone of California’s commitment to affordable energy. It offers qualifying low-income households a significant reduction in their energy expenses.
Key Benefits of CARE:
- Substantial Discounts: Enrollees receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. The exact electricity discount can vary slightly depending on the utility provider, with corporations having over 100,000 customer accounts offering the higher end of the discount range.
- Eligibility Based on Income: Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
- Eligibility Through Public Assistance Programs: You may also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs, such as:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / Food Stamps
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and more.
How to Apply for CARE:
To apply for the CARE program, you need to contact your utility company directly. They will provide you with an application form and guide you through the process. You can also typically find applications and more information on your utility provider’s website.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the FERA program offers another avenue for energy bill relief.
Key Benefits of FERA:
- Electricity Bill Discount: FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills.
- Designed for Moderate Income Families: FERA bridges the gap for families who are above the CARE income threshold but still need assistance managing energy costs.
- Availability: Currently, FERA 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).
How to Apply for FERA:
Similar to CARE, you should contact your electric utility provider to apply for the FERA program. They will provide the necessary application materials and information.
Income Guidelines for CARE and FERA
The income limits for both CARE and FERA programs are based on household size and are updated regularly. The current income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025.
CARE Income Guidelines (Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025)
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective through May 31, 2025)
| Household Size | 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 |
It’s important to note that these income limits are subject to change, so always verify the most current guidelines with your utility provider or the CPUC.
Contact Your Utility Company for More Information
To learn more about the CARE and FERA programs, including the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and application processes, your next step should be to contact your utility company. Here’s a table with contact information and website links for major California utility providers:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
