Discount Programs Through PG&E: CARE, FERA

BAY AREA — Are you struggling to pay your bills? You may be eligible for substantial assistance on your PG&E bill.

There are two programs — California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE), and Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). There are income qualifications for both programs.

For the CARE program, participants receive a monthly discount of 20-percent or more. You may qualify for this program if you already participate in one of the following programs:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
• CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF
• Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medi-Cal for Families (Healthy Families A & B)
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Medicaid/Medi-Cal

For the CARE program, here are the income caps for household size:

• 1-2: $33,820 or less
• 3: $42,660 or less
• 4: $51,500 or less
• 5: $60,340 or less
• 6: $69,180 or less
• 7: $78,020 or less
• 8: $86,860 or less
• 9: $95,700 or less
• 10: $104,540 or less
• each additional person: $8,840

The FERA program is for households of three or more, and gives a monthly discount of 18-percent on electricity only.

For the FERA program, here are the income caps for household size:

• 3: $42,661–$53,325
• 4: $51,501–$64,375
• 5: $60,341–$75,425
• 6: $69,181–$86,475
• 7: $78,021–$97,525
• 8: $86,861–$108,575
• 9: $95,701–$119,625
• 10: $104,541–$130,675
• each additional person: $8,840–$11,050

If you believe that you are eligible for one of these programs, you may apply online.

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