What the program does
FERA is designed to assist larger households whose income is too high to qualify for CARE but who still face significant energy-cost burden. The program provides approximately an 18% discount on residential electric service. FERA does not apply to natural gas bills.
Eligibility
- Three or more permanent residents in the household
- Combined household income between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty guideline
- Service must be in the residential customer’s name
- Only one FERA account per household
Interaction with CARE
A household cannot be enrolled in both CARE and FERA. If a household qualifies for both, CARE generally provides a larger discount and is the preferred enrollment. Households that lose CARE eligibility due to increased income may automatically be transitioned to FERA if they remain within FERA income limits.
How to enroll
- PG&E FERA: pge.com · CARE/FERA
- SCE FERA: sce.com · FERA
- SDG&E FERA: sdge.com · FERA
Where to verify
- Statute: PUC §739.12
- CPUC affordability hub: cpuc.ca.gov · affordability
Source: California Public Utilities Code §739.12. FERA discount level and income tiers are set by the CPUC. Verify current eligibility with your utility before relying on a specific figure.