The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households in California manage their electricity and natural gas costs. If you’re a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer and wondering how to qualify for the Edison CARE program, this guide will provide you with the essential information. The CARE program offers significant discounts on your monthly energy bills, making energy more affordable. Specifically, those enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills.
To determine your eligibility for the Edison CARE program, there are primarily two main pathways: income guidelines and enrollment in certain public assistance programs.
Understanding Edison CARE Program Eligibility Criteria
Income Limits for Edison CARE
One of the primary ways to qualify for the Edison CARE program is by meeting specific household income limits. These 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 |
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely to qualify for the Edison CARE program based on income.
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the stated limits, you may still qualify for Edison CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs indicate a need for financial assistance, and automatic qualification 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 automatically makes you eligible for the Edison CARE program, regardless of your specific income level, as long as you are an SCE customer.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
To apply for the Edison CARE program, Southern California Edison provides easy access to application forms and information. The most direct way to apply is through their website.
You can visit the SCE website dedicated to the CARE program for detailed information and application forms: CARE.
Alternatively, you can contact Edison directly by phone to request an application form or ask any questions you might have about the program and your eligibility. The Edison CARE program phone number is 866-675-6623.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
It’s also worth noting the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, which is a related program that offers an 18% discount on electricity bills. FERA is designed for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE income limits but still need assistance with energy costs. If you don’t qualify for CARE due to income, you might still be eligible for FERA. FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Conclusion
Qualifying for the Edison CARE program can significantly reduce your energy expenses. By checking your household income against the guidelines or verifying enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program, you can determine your eligibility. For the most accurate and up-to-date information and to begin your application, visit the Southern California Edison website or contact their customer service directly. Take advantage of the Edison CARE program to make your energy bills more manageable.
