The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a crucial initiative designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. Specifically for customers of Edison and other California utilities, CARE offers significant discounts on monthly electricity and natural gas bills. This guide will detail the Edison Care Program Requirements, eligibility criteria, and how you can benefit from this valuable assistance program.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program provides a vital safety net for eligible households by offering a substantial reduction on energy expenses. Participants enrolled in CARE receive a discount ranging from 30 to 35 percent on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. This financial relief can make a significant difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
Edison CARE Program Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the Edison CARE program, and the broader California CARE program, is primarily based on household income. The program utilizes income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of the latest guidelines, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025.
| 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, customers may also qualify for the Edison CARE program if they are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a household’s need for financial support and automatically qualify residents for CARE. Qualifying public assistance 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 simplifies the CARE application process, as it provides automatic eligibility based on participation in a qualifying assistance program.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. Southern California Edison (Edison) provides multiple avenues for customers to access application forms and receive assistance.
To initiate your application, you can visit the dedicated Edison CARE program website: CARE. This website offers comprehensive information about the program and allows you to download application forms directly.
For those who prefer to apply or inquire over the phone, Edison provides a dedicated phone number for energy assistance programs: 866-675-6623. Customer service representatives can provide application forms, answer your questions, and guide you through the application process.
Application forms are also frequently available through various community agencies and organizations that partner with Edison and other utilities to promote energy assistance programs. Checking with local community centers or social services agencies may provide additional access to application support.
Other California Utility CARE Programs
While this guide focuses on Edison CARE program requirements, the California CARE program is available across numerous utility companies throughout the state. Each utility administers the program, maintaining the same core eligibility criteria but with specific contact points for applications and inquiries. Below is a table listing various California utilities and their contact information for CARE program assistance.
| 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 |
If you are not an Edison customer, locate your utility provider in the table above to access their specific CARE program contact details and website.
Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. 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.
The income guidelines for FERA are more generous than CARE, accommodating households with slightly higher incomes. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are as follows:
| 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 slightly above the CARE limits, exploring the FERA program could provide valuable energy bill assistance. Contact your utility provider to determine your eligibility for FERA.
Conclusion
The Edison CARE program and the broader California CARE program are essential resources for low-income households seeking to reduce their energy expenses. By meeting the Edison CARE program requirements, eligible customers can access significant discounts on their electricity and gas bills, contributing to greater financial stability and access to essential utilities. If you believe you may qualify for CARE or FERA, reach out to Edison or your utility provider today to learn more and begin your application process. Energy assistance is available to help you manage your household expenses and ensure reliable access to energy services.
