If you’re a Southern California Edison (Edison) customer looking for ways to lower your energy bills, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program can provide significant relief. This program is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. Let’s delve into the specifics of the Edison CARE discount and how much you can actually save.
The CARE program offers a substantial discount to eligible customers. Specifically, Edison provides CARE participants with a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill. This significant reduction can make a real difference in managing household budgets. In addition to electricity savings, CARE also includes a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills for those who are also natural gas customers, although this percentage is universally applied across utilities, and the 30-35% electricity discount is specific to larger electrical corporations as mandated by California’s Public Utilities Code Section 739.1. For Edison customers, it’s primarily the electricity discount that stands out as a major benefit.
This image displays a table listing utility companies alongside their emergency payment phone numbers and website links for energy assistance programs, designed to guide users to relevant resources.
Who Qualifies for the Edison CARE Discount?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are as follows and remain effective until May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 makes you eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process.
This image presents a table detailing CARE income guidelines, showing the maximum income limits for different household sizes to determine eligibility for the energy discount program.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is straightforward. The most direct method is to contact Edison directly. You can reach them at 866-675-6623 to request an application form and get detailed information about the program. Alternatively, you can visit the Edison CARE program website at https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/care-fera to access online application forms and further resources.
Application assistance is also available through various community agencies. These organizations can provide support and guidance throughout the application process, ensuring you have the help you need to enroll.
Exploring Additional Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for savings. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s important to note that FERA is specifically for customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
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 household income falls within these ranges, contacting Edison to inquire about FERA could lead to additional savings on your energy bills.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Savings with Edison’s CARE Program
The Edison CARE program is a valuable resource for income-qualified customers seeking to reduce their energy expenses. With a 30-35% discount on electricity bills, the program offers substantial financial assistance. If you believe you are eligible, taking the steps to apply can lead to significant savings. Don’t hesitate to contact Edison or visit their website to learn more and begin your application process today.
