Are you a Southern California Edison customer looking for ways to lower your monthly energy expenses? The Edison Care Program, also known as the California Alternate Rates for Energy program, is designed to provide significant discounts on electricity and natural gas bills for eligible low-income households. If you’re struggling to manage your utility costs, understanding and applying for the Edison CARE program could be a crucial step towards financial relief.
What is the Edison CARE Program?
The Edison CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers substantial discounts to income-qualified customers. Enrolling in CARE can lower your energy bills by 30-35 percent on electricity and 20 percent on natural gas. These discounts are designed to make energy services more affordable for households that meet specific income requirements or participate in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that essential energy needs are met without placing undue financial strain on vulnerable families.
Image alt text: Contact information for California energy assistance programs, listing utility companies like PG&E, Edison, SDG&E, and SoCalGas with phone numbers and website links for their CARE programs.
Eligibility for the Edison CARE Program
To qualify for the Edison CARE program, your household must meet certain income guidelines or participate in qualifying public assistance programs.
Edison CARE Income Guidelines
The income limits are updated annually and are based on household size. As of June 1, 2024, the income eligibility upper 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 through May 31, 2025. If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the Edison CARE program.
Public Assistance Programs for Automatic Enrollment
Even if your income slightly exceeds the guidelines, you may still qualify for Edison CARE if you are enrolled in one of the following public assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 Edison CARE discount, simplifying the application process.
Image alt text: CARE program income eligibility guidelines table for California, showing income limits based on household size effective from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is straightforward. Southern California Edison provides easy access to application forms and additional information through their website and customer service channels.
To apply or learn more about the Edison CARE program, you can:
- Visit the Edison Website: Go directly to the Southern California Edison CARE program page for online applications and detailed program information.
- Contact Edison Customer Service: Call Edison directly at 1-866-675-6623 to request an application form by mail or ask any questions you may have about eligibility and the application process.
Exploring Additional Assistance: 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 Southern California Edison customers.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 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 falls within these FERA guidelines, you should also explore this program to maximize your energy bill savings. Contact Southern California Edison to determine your eligibility and apply for FERA.
Take Control of Your Energy Costs with Edison CARE
The Edison CARE program and FERA are vital resources for income-qualified residents in Southern California, providing crucial financial assistance to manage energy costs. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process for the Edison CARE program, you can take a proactive step towards reducing your utility bills and ensuring energy affordability for your household. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Southern California Edison today to explore these valuable programs and start saving.
