PG&E CARE and FERA bill discounts in Santa Clara County

A directory listing, not an eligibility decision.

UniHealth can identify a possible match, but the responsible program makes the final decision.

What to know

Why it may fit: Your circumstances can be checked against the program’s published guidelines.
What to do next: Monthly discounts on your PG&E bill. CARE takes at least 35% off electricity and 20% off gas. FERA takes 18% off electricity. You qualify by income, or by getting benefits like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or SSI. The cities of Santa Clara and Palo Alto send their own utility bills. This discount does not lower those. Ask your city utility.
Who runs it: Pacific Gas and Electric Company under California Public Utilities Commission rules

What the program may consider

Residential PG&E account
You are in a qualifying assistance program
Annual household income within the CARE or FERA guidelines
CARE discounts the bill by 20 percent or more on gas and 35 percent or more on electricity; FERA by 18 percent on electricity

How to get it

Monthly discounts on your PG&E bill. CARE takes at least 35% off electricity and 20% off gas. FERA takes 18% off electricity. You qualify by income, or by getting benefits like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or SSI. The cities of Santa Clara and Palo Alto send their own utility bills. This discount does not lower those. Ask your city utility.

Before you start

Having this helps Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP / HEAP). Getting energy bill help (LIHEAP) qualifies you. You still apply for CARE yourself.
Having this helps CalFresh Food. Getting CalFresh qualifies you for CARE.
Having this helps Aged, Blind and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Medi-Cal. Having Medi-Cal qualifies you for CARE, at any age.
Having this helps Supplemental Security Income / State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP). Getting SSI qualifies you for CARE.
Having this helps CalWORKs. Getting CalWORKs qualifies you for CARE.

How to apply

PG&E CARE and FERA application

One form asks for both discounts. The PG&E bill must be in your name.

OnlinePG&E CARE and FERA online applicationYou do not need to send papers when you apply.
PhonePG&E CARE and FERA line: 1-866-743-2273You can apply by phone.
EmailPG&E CARE and FERA e-mail: CAREandFERA@pge.comSend a photo or scan of your signed paper form.
FaxPG&E CARE and FERA fax: 1-877-302-7563
MailPG&E CARE and FERA mail: CARE/FERA Program, P.O. Box 29647, Oakland, CA 94604

You can also use: PG&E CARE and FERA application for sub-metered tenants

For renters whose landlord or park bills them for PG&E power from one main meter. Your landlord or manager fills in the first part. You cannot apply online.

Getting help

Someone can apply for you

Anyone can help you fill out the form. The person whose name is on the PG&E bill signs it. A guardian or someone with power of attorney may sign instead. A helper can send the signed form by e-mail, fax, or mail.

Only you, or someone with legal authority for you, can sign.

What happens after you apply

PG&E reviews your application. You do not need to send papers when you apply.
The utility company
PG&E moves your account to the CARE or FERA rate.
The utility companyThe discount shows on your next bill, about a month later.
PG&E may pick your home to prove you qualify. You sign PG&E's form. Then send a benefit letter, income proof, or a form saying you have no income.
Only if PG&E picks your home
The utility companyA helper can help with this By the date in PG&E's letter. If you miss it, the discount stops.
PG&E may ask you to take part in its Energy Savings Assistance program.
Only if PG&E asks
The utility companyA helper can help with this

What only you can do

Sign the form yourself, or apply yourself online or by phone. A guardian or power of attorney may sign for you.
The PG&E bill must be in your name.
Does your landlord or park bill you for power? Then use the renter form. Your landlord or manager fills in the first part.
If PG&E checks later, sign its form and send proof by the date given.
Tell PG&E if your home no longer qualifies.
Renew every 2 years. If you live on a fixed income, like Social Security, renew every 4 years.

How long it takes: About one billing cycle. The discount shows on your next bill.
You are enrolled when: You are enrolled when your PG&E bill shows the CARE or FERA discount. CARE also lowers the monthly base charge to about $6. FERA lowers it to about $12. Others pay about $24.
To keep it: Renew every 2 years, or every 4 years on a fixed income. PG&E mails a notice 3 months before. Answer any proof check by its deadline. Very high electric use can end CARE. Do not share a meter with another home. Only your spouse may claim you as a tax dependent.