The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses. Specifically, for customers of Edison, the CARE program offers substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible residents. If you’re struggling with utility costs, understanding the Edison CARE program is the first step towards significant savings.
Understanding the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative in California that provides financial assistance to eligible low-income utility customers. It’s not exclusive to Edison customers but is available through various utility companies throughout California. For those serviced by Edison, enrolling in CARE can lead to considerable reductions in your monthly bills.
Key benefits of the CARE program include:
- Significant Discounts: Customers enrolled in the CARE program receive a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. These discounts are designed to ease the financial burden of energy costs for those who qualify.
- Accessibility: The program is funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and availability to those who need it most.
- Support for Vulnerable Households: CARE targets households with limited incomes, ensuring that financial assistance reaches those who are most vulnerable to high energy costs.
To determine if you are eligible for the Edison CARE program, it’s essential to understand the income guidelines and qualifying criteria.
Who is Eligible for the Edison CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025.
CARE Income Guidelines (Effective June 1, 2024 to 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 |
Image alt text: CARE income guidelines table for 2024-2025 showing income limits based on household size for California energy assistance program.
Beyond income, you may also qualify for the Edison CARE program if you or a member of your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial support and automatically qualify you for CARE.
Qualifying Public Assistance Programs:
- 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 simplifies the CARE application process, making it easier for eligible households to receive assistance.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. The easiest way to begin is to contact Edison directly through their dedicated CARE program channels.
Contact Information for Edison CARE Program:
| Utility | Emergency Payment | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
Image alt text: Contact information table for California energy assistance programs including phone numbers and websites for various utility companies.
You can request an application form and gather more detailed information by:
- Visiting the Edison Website: The provided link directs you to the official Edison website page dedicated to the CARE program. Here, you can find online application forms and comprehensive program details.
- Calling Edison Directly: Use the provided phone number to speak with an Edison representative who can guide you through the application process and answer any specific questions you may have.
- Community Agencies: Application forms are also available through numerous community agencies throughout California. These agencies often assist low-income residents with various support services and can help with the CARE application process.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: A Step Beyond CARE
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a lower discount than CARE but still offers valuable assistance in managing electricity costs.
Key features of the FERA program:
- Electricity Bill Discount: FERA provides an 18% discount specifically on electricity bills.
- Higher Income Limits: FERA is designed for households with slightly higher incomes than those eligible for CARE, expanding the reach of energy assistance programs.
- Availability: FERA is available to customers of major California utility companies, including Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective through May 31, 2025)
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,641 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,401 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,161 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,921 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,681 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,441 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
Image alt text: Comparison table of CARE and FERA income eligibility guidelines for households of different sizes in California.
If your income is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking if you qualify for FERA. Contact your utility company, such as Edison, to inquire about FERA eligibility and application procedures.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Assistance Programs
The Edison CARE program and the FERA program are crucial resources for California residents struggling with energy costs. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process for CARE, you can take a significant step towards reducing your monthly utility bills. If your income slightly exceeds CARE limits, explore the FERA program for additional savings.
Don’t hesitate to contact Edison or visit their website today to learn more and begin your application for the CARE program. Affordable energy is within reach with the right support.
