Key points
- CARE gives qualifying households 30 to 35 percent off electric bills at the large electric companies (some smaller companies give 20 percent) and 20 percent off gas bills.
- FERA gives 18 percent off electric bills for households with income a little above the CARE limit.
- Households with Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, LIHEAP, or WIC qualify for CARE through that program.
- LIHEAP can pay part of an energy bill once, help when your power is about to be shut off, and make free energy efficiency improvements to your home.
CARE: 30 to 35 percent off electric bills
According to the CPUC, households in the CARE program get 30 to 35 percent off electric bills at the large electric companies (some smaller electric companies give 20 percent) and 20 percent off gas bills.
You qualify if someone in your household has Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, LIHEAP, WIC, or certain other programs, or if your household's yearly income is at or below the limit. From June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027: 1 to 2 people $43,280; 3 people $54,640; 4 people $66,000; each additional person $11,360.
FERA: 18 percent off electric bills
FERA is for households with income a little above the CARE limit. According to the CPUC, FERA gives 18 percent off electric bills.
FERA income limits from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027: 1 to 2 people $54,100; 4 people $82,500.
How to apply for CARE and FERA
According to the CPUC, contact your electric or gas company for a CARE application, or visit its website. FERA only lowers electric bills, so apply for FERA through your electric company, such as Southern California Edison (SCE), SDG&E, or PG&E.
LIHEAP: bill help and energy efficiency improvements
According to CSD, LIHEAP offers three kinds of help: a one-time payment toward your energy bill (HEAP); help for households in a crisis, such as a shutoff notice (ECIP); and free energy efficiency improvements to your home to lower monthly bills (Weatherization).
To apply for LIHEAP, contact your local service provider. You can find one on csd.ca.gov or by calling 2-1-1, which is available 24 hours a day. Eligibility depends on your income sources and other factors.
Steps
- Check for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or SSI. If someone in your household has one, you likely qualify for CARE.
- Compare your income with the limits. CARE or FERA, based on household size.
- Contact your electric and gas companies. CARE (electric and gas): apply through your electric or gas company. FERA (electric only): apply through your electric company, such as SCE, SDG&E, or PG&E.
- Facing a shutoff? Call right away. Contact your local LIHEAP provider or call 2-1-1.
Quick check
- Does anyone in my household have Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or WIC?
- Is my household's yearly income below the CARE or FERA limit?
- Does my electric or gas bill already show a CARE discount?
- Have I received a shutoff notice?
Common questions
I have Medi-Cal. Do I qualify for CARE?
According to the CPUC, people with Medi-Cal (or with someone in the household on Medi-Cal) qualify for CARE through that program. Contact your electric or gas company to apply.
Can I have both CARE and FERA?
FERA is for households with income a little above the CARE limit. Your electric company will place you in the right program.
My power is about to be shut off. What can I do?
According to CSD, LIHEAP's ECIP program helps households in a crisis, such as a shutoff notice. Contact your local LIHEAP provider or call 2-1-1.
Is QualitySpace a utility or a government office?
No. QualitySpace Insurance Agency is a private insurance agency, not a government office or a utility company.