California has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation — averaging 30+ cents per kWh compared to the national average of 16 cents. But the state also has two powerful discount programs that can cut your bills by 20-35%. Here's how CARE and FERA work and how to apply.
What Are CARE and FERA?
CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)
- Discount: 20% off gas, 30-35% off electricity
- Eligibility: Household income below 200% of Federal Poverty Level
- Applies to: Both gas and electric bills
- Available from: PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SoCalGas, and most municipal utilities
FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance)
- Discount: 18% off electricity only
- Eligibility: Households of 3+ with income between 200-250% FPL
- Applies to: Electricity only (not gas)
- Available from: PG&E, SCE, SDG&E
Income Eligibility
CARE Income Limits (2025) — Below 200% FPL
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
FERA Income Limits (2025) — Between 200-250% FPL
| Household Size | Annual Income Range |
|---|---|
| 3 | $51,641 - $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,401 - $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,161 - $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,921 - $104,900 |
Automatic Qualification
If anyone in your household receives these benefits, you automatically qualify for CARE:
- Medi-Cal / Medicaid
- SNAP (CalFresh/Food Stamps)
- SSI / SSP
- CalWORKs (TANF)
- Head Start
- WIC
- Tribal TANF
- LIHEAP
- Section 8 / HUD housing assistance
How Much Can You Save?
PG&E Example Savings
| Monthly Bill | CARE Savings (30-35%) | FERA Savings (18%) |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | $30-$35/month | $18/month |
| $200 | $60-$70/month | $36/month |
| $300 | $90-$105/month | $54/month |
| $400 | $120-$140/month | $72/month |
Annual savings: $360-$1,680 depending on bill size and program.
How to Apply
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
- PG&E: pge.com/care
- SCE: sce.com/care
- SDG&E: sdge.com/care
- SoCalGas: socalgas.com/care
Option 2: Phone
- PG&E: 866-743-2273
- SCE: 800-447-6620
- SDG&E: 800-411-7343
Option 3: Mail
Download the application from your utility's website and mail it in.
What You Need
- Account holder name and service address
- Number of people in household
- Total household income (self-certification — no proof needed initially)
- OR proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program
Important: You self-certify income when applying. No pay stubs or tax returns needed upfront. However, utilities conduct random post-enrollment verification. If selected, you'll have 2 weeks to provide documentation.
Application Tips
- Count all household members: More people = higher income threshold
- Include all income sources: Wages, Social Security, unemployment, pensions
- Apply under qualifying programs if possible: Automatic approval with no income verification
- Apply for both gas and electric: If you have separate utility companies
- Renew before expiration: CARE must be recertified every 2 years (PG&E/SCE) or 4 years (SDG&E)
- Stack with Medical Baseline: If you have medical equipment, the Medical Baseline Allowance provides additional cheaper-tier electricity on top of CARE
Additional California Programs to Stack
| Program | Benefit | Apply Through |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Baseline | Extra cheap-tier electricity for medical needs | Your utility |
| LIHEAP | One-time $200-$1,000 payment | Local CAA |
| REACH (PG&E) | Up to $300 emergency grant | PG&E |
| EAF (SCE) | Up to $100 emergency credit | SCE |
| CHANGES (SDG&E) | Up to $200 emergency grant | SDG&E |
| Weatherization (WAP) | Free home upgrades | Local CAA |
California Shutoff Protections
Even with CARE/FERA, it helps to know your disconnection rights:
- 48-hour notice: Utilities must give written notice before shutoff
- Extreme heat rule: No shutoffs when temps forecast to be 100°F+
- Medical Baseline protection: Cannot disconnect if medical certificate on file
- CPUC complaint: File at cpuc.ca.gov to freeze disconnection on disputed amounts
- Income-qualified customers: Utilities must offer payment plans before disconnection
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Check income eligibility (CARE: below 200% FPL; FERA: 200-250% FPL, 3+ people)
- [ ] Check if you receive any auto-qualifying benefits (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, etc.)
- [ ] Apply online through your utility's website (fastest method)
- [ ] Apply for both gas AND electric CARE if you have separate companies
- [ ] Ask about Medical Baseline if you have medical equipment
- [ ] Set reminder to recertify before expiration (every 2-4 years)
- [ ] Apply for LIHEAP additionally for one-time help
- [ ] Consider weatherization for long-term savings
Bottom Line
California's CARE and FERA programs are among the most generous utility discounts in the country, saving enrolled households $360-$1,680 annually. The application is simple — self-certified income, no documentation needed upfront — and if you receive public assistance like Medi-Cal or CalFresh, you auto-qualify. With California's high electricity rates, there's no reason not to apply if you're eligible.
Sources
- CPUC CARE Program: cpuc.ca.gov/care
- PG&E CARE: pge.com/care
- SCE CARE: sce.com/care
- SDG&E CARE: sdge.com/care
- California LIHEAP: csd.ca.gov/energy
