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Get 30% or more off your energy bill
For many, meeting everyday needs isn’t easy. And during this challenging time, it may be even more difficult to pay your bills. For those customers, we offer several assistance programs, like CARE and FERA, that provide monthly discounts on your energy bill. Learn more about these programs.
CARE Program Overview
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program can provide you with a discount on your monthly energy bill (electricity and gas).
If you’re currently receiving public assistance, or you’ve recently lost your job, you may qualify for this discount. Even if you are receiving unemployment benefits, your household income as of today may qualify you to receive 30% or more off your bill. See if you qualify.
It’s quick and easy to apply online, no documentation is needed. Plus, your information is kept private. We will not share any of your personal information with third parties.
Once approved for the program, you’ll receive your discount for two years. After two years, you’ll have to renew your application to make sure you still qualify. For families on a fixed income, renewal is every four years.
FERA Program Overview
The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers households of 3 or more people an 18% discount on their monthly electric use. Qualification is based on total household income. If you don’t qualify for CARE, we will automatically check to see if you qualify for the FERA discount. There’s no need to apply for this program separately. One applications covers both programs!
Who Qualifies?
To receive the CARE discount, you must already participate in certain public assistance programs or meet the income guidelines. If you do not qualify for the CARE program, we will automatically check to see if you qualify for FERA, which provides an 18% monthly discount on electric use for families of three or more.
Public Assistance Programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- CalFresh (Food Stamps) / SNAP
- CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal for Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Income Guidelines
If you do not participate in the public assistance programs listed above, then qualification is based on your household size and total current household income* (total income of all persons living in your house, condo, apartment or mobile home).
Effective June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020
| Number in Household |
Total annual household income CARE program |
FERA program |
|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
$33,820 |
Not Eligible |
|
3 |
$42,660 |
$42,661 - $53,325 |
|
4 |
$51,500 |
$51,501 - $64,375 |
|
5 |
$60,340 |
$60,341 - $75,425 |
|
6 |
$69,180 |
$69,181- $86,475 |
|
7 |
$78,020 |
$78,021 - $97,525 |
|
8 |
$86,860 |
$86,861 - $108,575 |
|
Each additional member |
+$8,840 |
+$8,840 - $11,050 |
Call
You can apply through our automated phone system.
CALL 1-877-646-5525
Additional Application Information
Other Languages
Find additional details on the CARE program in 12 different languages.
Sub-Metered Tenants
If you live in an apartment building, mobile home park, residential RV park or marina and billed through a landlord, you can apply via the link below.
Non-Profit Group Living Facilities
Tax-exempt group living facilities, like homeless shelters, hospices or women’s shelter may qualify for CARE.
Housing for Agricultural Employees
CARE application for qualified agricultural employee housing facilities.
Other rules and guidelines for these programs may apply:
- If you apply to the CARE program as an individual, your name and address must be your primary residence. This does not apply to group homes.
- If at any point you no longer qualify for the program, you must notify SDG&E.
- If your energy use exceeds the standards and are considered high use, you may be removed from the CARE program. (Due to the COVID-19 crisis, SDG&E has suspended removing high-use customers from this program.)
- If you apply, you cannot be claimed on another person’s income tax return other than your spouse or domestic partner.
- Income is defined as total and current household income* for all persons living in your home, before deductions. You may be asked to verify your income.
- You will need to renew or re-enroll in the program when requested.
*Total household income is all taxable and non-taxable revenues, from all household members. Income would include, but is not limited to:
- Wages
- Salaries
- Interest
- Dividends
- Spousal and child support payments
- Public assistance payments
- Social Security
- Pensions
- Rental Income
- Income from self-employment
- All employment-related non-cash income
Energy Savings Assistance Program
When you apply for the CARE/FERA programs, we’ll also see if you qualify for no-cost energy-efficient home improvements.
California LifeLine Program
If you’re receiving public assistance, you may also qualify for a phone discount through the California LifeLine Program.
CALL 1-866-272-0349
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This federal assistance program offers help with utility bill payments and energy-related home improvements.
Payment Arrangements
We offer a variety of resources if you’re experiencing financial hardship and need help paying your bills, including payment arrangements and a level pay program.
You can also contact us with questions: [email protected]
Call 1-800-411-7343 Speech or hearing impaired call 1-877-889-7343
Authorized Outreach Contractor: The Harris Group
Call Center: 1-619-825-9510
Corporate: 1-619-741-4109
Website: the-harris-group.org
CARE Capitation Program
Are you a non-profit interested in becoming a CARE or FERA capitation agency? CARE/FERA capitation agencies are social service organizations that help customers enroll in programs that make them eligible for the CARE discount.