Are you looking for ways to reduce your household expenses, especially your energy bills? If you’re a resident of California with a lower income, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, particularly the Sce Care Program offered by Southern California Edison, could provide significant financial relief. This program is designed to help eligible customers lower their electricity and natural gas costs through substantial discounts.
What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program?
The CARE program is a state-wide initiative in California committed to assisting low-income households manage their energy expenses. It offers a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills for those who qualify. This discount is funded by a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring that those who need assistance receive it.
Who is Eligible for the SCE CARE Program and Other Utilities?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program uses income guidelines that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and 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 |
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 automatically qualifies you for the CARE discount, simplifying the application process.
Understanding the Discounts: What You Can Save
The CARE program provides a substantial reduction in your energy bills. For electrical corporations with 100,000 or more customer accounts, like Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), the discount is between 30% and 35% on your electric bill. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. Regardless of the size of the utility, all CARE participants receive a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can significantly lower your monthly expenses, making energy more affordable.
How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program and Other Utility Programs
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. For Southern California Edison (SCE) customers interested in the SCE CARE program, you can visit their dedicated CARE program page on their website or call them directly. Here are contact details for major California utilities offering the CARE program:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison (SCE) | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
You can request an application form and further information from your utility provider through their websites or by phone. Additionally, application forms are often available at community agencies.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers 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 limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of households. Here are the income limits for FERA, 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 income is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking if you qualify for the FERA program to still receive help with your energy costs.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Savings with CARE
The California CARE program, including the SCE CARE program, is a valuable resource for low-income households in California to manage and reduce their energy bills. By providing substantial discounts on electricity and natural gas, CARE helps make essential utilities more affordable. If you believe you are eligible based on income or enrollment in qualifying public assistance programs, we encourage you to contact your utility provider today to learn more and apply. Reducing your energy expenses can free up your budget for other important needs. For specific details and to apply, reach out to Southern California Edison or your local utility company and ask about the CARE program.
