California discount programs
California CARE & FERA utility assistance, explained.
CARE and FERA are California programs that lower monthly energy bills for households that qualify. Here's what they are, how they differ, and how to check whether they may fit your home.
The short answer
CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) gives income-qualified households a discount on their energy bill. FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance) gives a discount on electricity bills to households whose income is slightly above CARE limits. You apply through your utility, and current income limits and discounts are published by the CPUC and your utility.
Who this is for
California residential customers served by participating utilities, whether they own or rent. Exact eligibility depends on current official rules.
What is CARE?
CARE is a long-running California program that provides a discount on electric and, where applicable, natural gas bills for households that meet income guidelines. It's overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and run by the major utilities.
Households may also qualify if someone in the home takes part in certain public assistance programs. Which programs count is listed on your utility's application.
What is FERA?
According to the CPUC, FERA is for families whose income slightly exceeds CARE limits, and it applies a discount to electricity bills. It's offered by certain electric utilities; household-size rules and income limits are published by the CPUC and your utility.
CARE vs. FERA in simple terms
CARE
For income-qualified households of any size. Discount on electric and, where offered, gas.
FERA
For families with income slightly above CARE limits. Discount on electricity bills.
Both
Applied for through your utility. You'd generally be enrolled in one or the other, not both.
Who these programs are meant to help
Both programs aim to make energy more affordable for California households with limited or moderate income. Program rules are based on household income and size, not on whether you own your home. If you rent, or your energy is billed through a landlord or park (sub-metered housing), ask your utility how you can apply.
Why you should check the current rules
Income limits are updated regularly and depend on household size. Discount amounts and program details can change too. We don't list numbers here because they may be out of date by the time you read this. Your utility's CARE/FERA page and the CPUC publish the current figures.
What you may be asked for
Applications are usually short. You may be asked for your account information, the number of people in your household, and total household income. Some households are later asked to verify income, for example with pay stubs, tax documents or benefit letters.
Apply only through your utility or its official website. Utility Bill Advocates will never ask for your Social Security number, banking information or utility login.
How Utility Bill Advocates can help
We help you understand whether CARE, FERA or another program may be worth looking into, and point you to the right official place to apply. We don't enroll you, decide eligibility, or represent any utility.
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My Wattie, our upcoming AI-powered utility companion, is being designed to help match households with programs like CARE and FERA that may fit, and explain the steps in everyday language. It isn't available yet.
Meet My Wattie and join early accessCommon questions
Can renters get CARE or FERA?
Eligibility is based on household income and size, not home ownership. How renters apply depends on how the account is set up, so check with your utility — especially if you're billed through a landlord or park.
What are the current CARE income limits?
Limits are updated regularly and depend on household size. Check your utility's CARE page or the CPUC for the current numbers.
Is Utility Bill Advocates part of the CARE program?
No. We are an independent consumer resource, not a utility, government agency or government program.
Official sources to verify
Program rules, amounts and deadlines can change. Always confirm current details with the official program or your utility.
Not sure if CARE or FERA fits?
Answer a few quick questions about your home and utility, and we'll help you see which programs may be worth checking.
Utility Bill Advocates is an independent company. We are not a utility company or government agency. Program availability and eligibility vary. We never ask for your Social Security number, banking information or utility login.