Are you looking for ways to lower your electricity costs? If you’re a low-income household in Southern California Edison’s service area, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program could significantly reduce your energy bills. This program offers substantial discounts to help eligible customers manage their energy expenses. This guide will explain how to apply for the Edison CARE program and start saving.
Understanding the Edison CARE Program
The Edison CARE program is designed to assist income-qualified households by providing a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills. This discount can make a real difference in your monthly budget, ensuring access to essential energy services. The CARE program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, making it a community effort to support those in need.
Eligibility for Edison CARE
Eligibility for the Edison CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income is at or below the following limits, you may qualify:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
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 makes you eligible for the Edison CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is straightforward. Southern California Edison provides multiple avenues to access the application and get assistance:
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Visit the Edison Website: The easiest way to start your application is by visiting the official Southern California Edison website. Navigate to their assistance programs section, where you will find detailed information about CARE and the online application form. You can find the CARE program information directly at CARE.
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Contact Edison Customer Service: For personalized assistance or to request a physical application form, you can call Edison directly at 866-675-6623. Customer service representatives can answer your questions, guide you through the eligibility requirements, and help you with the application process.
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Community Agencies: Application forms are also available through various community agencies. These agencies often partner with utility companies to help residents access assistance programs. Contacting local community centers or social service organizations can provide another way to obtain and complete your CARE application.
Explore Other Assistance Programs
While the CARE program offers significant savings, you might also be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits. If you don’t qualify for CARE due to income, it’s worth checking if you meet the FERA income guidelines. Contact Edison or visit their website for more details on FERA.
Start Saving on Your Energy Bills Today
The Edison CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households in California to reduce their energy expenses. By applying for the program, you can access significant discounts and make your energy bills more affordable. Don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity. Visit the Southern California Edison website or call their customer service today to apply for the CARE program and start saving.
