Energy‑bill discounts missed
Many Fremont households are likely missing out on state energy discounts—CARE and FERA enrollment remains low even as bills climb, and local advocates say signing up can cut monthly costs. Experts also note some weatherproofing and energy upgrades may be tax‑deductible, creating a two‑track way to reduce bills now and over the long run. (ksby.com) (housebeautiful.com)
California’s expansion of FERA eligibility under SB 1130 doubled the number of FERA‑eligible households in PG&E territory from 156,547 in 2024 to 315,626 in 2025, and the expansion coincided with a drop in FERA enrollment rate from 25% at the end of 2024 to 13% in April 2025. (liob.cpuc.ca.gov) PG&E reports that in 2024 more than 39,000 FERA‑enrolled customers received discounts totaling over $21 million, with enrolled customers saving an average of more than $45 per month. (investor.pgecorp.com) PG&E’s CARE discount reduces electricity charges by roughly 38% and gas charges by about 20% for eligible customers, while the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program applies an 18% discount on electricity under CPUC rules. (pge.com) California’s Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program offers no‑cost weatherization and efficiency measures — including attic insulation, air sealing, refrigerator replacement and other home upgrades — to households that meet CARE/FERA income limits, delivered through PG&E’s program contractors. (cpuc.ca.gov) Federal incentives available through 2025 include the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which provides up to $3,200 for qualifying improvements placed in service through Dec. 31, 2025, and the Residential Clean Energy Credit that covers roughly 30% of costs for solar, heat pumps and battery storage through 2025. (irs.gov) Fremont receives electricity service from Ava Community Energy (formerly East Bay Community Energy), and community choice providers in the East Bay continue to ensure CARE/FERA discounts apply to their customers — enrolled customers generally retain discounts after switching to a CCA without reapplying. (avaenergy.org)
