Are you a Southern California Edison customer struggling to manage your energy bills? You might be eligible for significant savings through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. Applying for the California Edison CARE program online is a straightforward process that can lead to substantial financial relief.
What is the California Edison CARE Program?
The CARE program offers a discount of 30-35% on electric bills and 20% on natural gas bills for eligible low-income customers. This discount can make a considerable difference in your household budget, ensuring access to essential energy services without financial strain. Funded by a surcharge on other utility customers, CARE is a state-mandated program demonstrating California’s commitment to supporting its vulnerable residents.
Eligibility for California Edison CARE
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits 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 |
These income guidelines are effective until May 31, 2025, and are typically updated annually to reflect inflation and the economic landscape.
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 qualifies you for the California Edison CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the California Edison CARE Program Online
Applying for the California Edison CARE program online is convenient and accessible. Southern California Edison provides a dedicated webpage to guide you through the application. Here’s how you can get started:
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Visit the Southern California Edison CARE Program Website: Go to the official SCE website dedicated to the CARE and FERA programs: CARE.
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Find the Online Application: Look for the “Apply Now” or “Enroll Now” button, typically prominently displayed on the CARE program page. Southern California Edison has streamlined the process to be user-friendly and accessible from any device.
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Complete the Application Form: The online application will require you to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially your enrollment in qualifying public assistance programs. Ensure you have your Edison account details handy to expedite the process.
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Submit Required Documentation (if needed): In some cases, you may need to upload documents to verify your income or enrollment in a qualifying program. The online portal will guide you on what documentation is necessary and how to submit it.
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Review and Submit: Before submitting, carefully review all the information you’ve provided to ensure accuracy. Once you are confident, submit your application online.
After submitting your application, Southern California Edison will review your information and notify you of your application status. The online application process is designed to be quick, and you can typically expect to hear back within a reasonable timeframe.
What is the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for savings. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible 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 | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 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 |
If your income falls within the FERA guidelines, you should also explore this program on the Southern California Edison website. The application process is similar to CARE, and you may be able to apply online through the same portal.
Contact Southern California Edison for More Information
If you have questions or need assistance with your CARE or FERA application, Southern California Edison offers several ways to get help. You can contact them directly through:
| Utility | Emergency Payment | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
Their customer service representatives can provide guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and answer any specific questions you may have.
Conclusion
The California Edison CARE program is a vital resource for low-income households in California, providing substantial discounts on energy bills. Taking advantage of the online application makes it easier than ever to access these benefits. If you believe you are eligible, don’t hesitate to visit the Southern California Edison website and apply today. Reducing your energy costs can significantly improve your financial well-being and ensure consistent access to essential utilities.
