Are you a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer looking for ways to lower your monthly energy expenses? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, specifically offered by Edison, provides significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills if you meet certain income requirements. This program is designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs, ensuring access to essential utilities.
The Edison CARE program offers a substantial 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
Who is Eligible for the Edison CARE Program? Income Guidelines and More
Eligibility for the Edison CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the limits outlined below, you are likely eligible to enroll. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Current CARE Income Guidelines (Effective Through 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 may also qualify for the Edison CARE program if you or someone in your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial assistance and automatically qualify you for CARE. Qualifying public assistance programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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.
Understanding the Discounts and Program Funding
The generous discounts provided by the CARE program are made possible through a rate surcharge applied to all other utility customers. This system ensures that those most in need receive vital assistance with their energy bills, promoting energy affordability across California. The income limits are reviewed and potentially adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation, ensuring the program remains relevant and effective.
It’s worth noting that while major electrical corporations like Edison offer a 30-35% discount, smaller electrical corporations in California provide a 20% discount under the CARE program guidelines. Regardless of the specific percentage, the CARE program offers crucial financial relief.
Exploring Additional Support: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option for energy bill assistance: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills and is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective Through May 31, 2025)
| Household Size | 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 is above the CARE limits but within the FERA guidelines, it’s definitely worth investigating the FERA program to see if you qualify for these additional savings.
Take Action: Applying for the Edison CARE Program
Ready to see if you can lower your Edison energy bills? Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The best way to get started is to contact Edison directly or visit their website dedicated to the CARE program.
Contact Information for Edison CARE Program:
- Phone: 866-675-6623
- Website: Edison CARE Program Website
You can request an application form and find comprehensive information about the program, including detailed eligibility requirements and application instructions, on their website. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to potentially save hundreds of dollars each year on your energy bills. Explore the Edison CARE program today and take control of your energy costs.
