Are you a Southern California Edison (So Cal Edison) customer struggling with your energy bills? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, a state-wide initiative designed to help low-income households manage their electricity and natural gas expenses. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for eligible customers.
The So Cal Edison Care Program provides a substantial discount of 30-35 percent on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, ensuring you can maintain essential energy services without financial strain.
Who Qualifies for the So Cal Edison CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually, so it’s important to check the current guidelines.
CARE Income Guidelines (Effective through May 31, 2025)
| 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 can also qualify for the So Cal Edison CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in any of the following programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE:
- 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
How to Apply for the So Cal Edison CARE Program
Applying for the So Cal Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. To get started and request an application, you can:
-
Visit the So Cal Edison Website: The most convenient way to access information and application forms is through the official So Cal Edison website. Navigate to their CARE program page for detailed instructions and online application options.
CARE Program Website -
Contact So Cal Edison Directly: You can also contact So Cal Edison customer service to request an application form and ask any questions you may have about the program.
- Emergency Payment Assistance: 866-675-6623
-
Community Agencies: Application forms are often available through various community agencies and organizations in Southern California. These agencies can also provide assistance with the application process.
Exploring FERA: An Additional Assistance Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, also offered by So Cal Edison. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill for families with slightly higher incomes than CARE allows.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective through May 31, 2025)
| 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 |
Take Control of Your Energy Bills Today
The So Cal Edison CARE program and FERA program are valuable resources for eligible customers in Southern California. By taking advantage of these programs, you can significantly reduce your energy costs and improve your household’s financial stability. Don’t hesitate to check your eligibility and apply today! Contact So Cal Edison or visit their website to learn more and begin your application process. Lower energy bills and greater peace of mind could be just an application away.
