Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, especially the Care Sce Program offered by Southern California Edison (SCE), is designed to help eligible low-income households reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the CARE program, focusing on the benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, ensuring you have all the information you need to understand and potentially benefit from this valuable assistance.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative designed to provide financial assistance on energy bills for income-qualified households. It offers significant discounts to help make energy services more affordable. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can substantially ease the financial burden of utility costs, allowing families to allocate their resources more effectively.
CARE Program Benefits: Significant Savings on Energy Bills
The core benefit of the CARE program is the direct reduction in your monthly energy expenses. These discounts are not insignificant; they represent a substantial portion of your bill, making a real difference in your household budget. By lowering the cost of essential utilities, the CARE program helps ensure that low-income residents can maintain comfortable and safe living conditions without facing energy insecurity.
Who is Eligible for the CARE SCE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. However, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies you for CARE.
CARE Income Guidelines: Meeting the Financial Criteria
The CARE program has specific income limits that households must meet to qualify. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, and effective through May 31, 2025, the income guidelines are as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Automatic Enrollment through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in any of the following 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 demonstrates financial need and automatically qualifies you for the CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE SCE Program
Applying for the CARE SCE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact Southern California Edison directly to request an application form and gather more detailed information.
You can reach SCE through the following channels:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| Edison |
By visiting the SCE website dedicated to the CARE program or calling their dedicated phone line, you can access the application form and receive guidance on completing it accurately. Application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income families.
Utility Contact Information for CARE Programs Across California
While this article focuses on the CARE SCE program, the CARE program is available across California through various utility companies. Here is a table with contact information for other major utilities in California, should you reside in a different service area:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
This table provides a quick reference to find the specific CARE program information and contact details for your energy provider.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: An Additional Option
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another assistance program available called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households. It is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Income Guidelines: Slightly Higher Income Thresholds
The income limits for FERA are higher than those for CARE, making it accessible to families with slightly higher incomes who still need assistance with their energy bills. The income limits effective through May 31, 2025, are:
| 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 you do not qualify for CARE due to income limits, exploring the FERA program is a worthwhile next step.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Assistance Programs
California’s CARE program, including the CARE SCE program, and the FERA program are vital resources for low- and moderate-income families struggling with energy costs. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take proactive steps to reduce your utility bills and improve your financial stability. Contact your utility company today to learn more about these programs and determine if you qualify for assistance. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to lower your energy expenses and make your household budget more manageable.
