Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills? If you’re a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer, you might be wondering, “Does Edison Have A Care Program?” The answer is a resounding yes! Edison, like other major California utility companies, offers the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program to help eligible low-income households manage their electricity costs.
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative designed to provide significant discounts on your energy bills. For those who qualify, CARE can make a real difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services. Let’s delve into what the Edison CARE program offers and how you can determine if you’re eligible.
Understanding Edison’s CARE Program and Its Benefits
Edison’s CARE program provides a substantial discount on your monthly energy bills. Customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bill. This discount can significantly lower your expenses, making your energy bills more affordable.
This financial relief is crucial for households with limited incomes, allowing them to allocate resources to other essential needs like food, housing, and healthcare. The CARE program is not just a discount; it’s a lifeline for many families in California.
Eligibility for Edison’s CARE Program
Eligibility for the Edison CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program uses income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are as follows:
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the Edison CARE program.
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for CARE, regardless of your specific income level within program guidelines.
How to Apply for Edison’s CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. The easiest way to apply is to visit the SCE website dedicated to the CARE program. You can find the application and detailed information at https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/care-fera.
Alternatively, you can contact Edison directly to request an application form or ask any questions you may have about the program. You can reach Edison’s CARE program assistance line at 866-675-6623. Their customer service representatives can guide you through the application process and help determine your eligibility.
What if You Don’t Qualify for CARE? Explore FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for another assistance program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is also offered by Edison and provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill.
FERA has higher income limits than CARE, designed for families who are just above the CARE threshold but still need help managing energy costs. Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If your income falls within these FERA guidelines, it’s worth exploring this program as an alternative or supplement to CARE. You can find more information about FERA on the same SCE assistance programs website linked above.
Other California Utility CARE Programs
While this article focuses on Edison’s CARE program, it’s important to know that CARE is a statewide program offered by various utility companies in California. Here’s a quick reference table for other major utilities and their CARE program contact information:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Edison’s CARE Program
If you’re an Edison customer and meet the income requirements or participate in a qualifying public assistance program, you should definitely apply for the CARE program. It’s a valuable resource designed to help you save money on your energy bills. Don’t hesitate to contact Edison or visit their website to start your application and take advantage of the financial assistance available to you. Reducing your energy costs can significantly improve your financial well-being and provide greater peace of mind.
