Are you a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer struggling with your energy bills? You might be eligible for significant savings through the Southern California Edison CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) income qualifying rate program. This program is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity costs, making energy more affordable.
Understanding the Southern California Edison CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers a substantial discount on your electricity bill. Specifically, if you qualify for CARE through Southern California Edison, you can receive a 30-35% discount on your electric bill. This reduction can make a real difference in your household budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
This program isn’t just a handout; it’s a helping hand for those who need it most. It’s funded through a small surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring that everyone contributes to supporting vulnerable communities. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates these programs and works to ensure they are accessible and beneficial to eligible residents.
Income Eligibility for SCE CARE
The primary way to qualify for the Southern California Edison CARE program is based on your household income. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines 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 limits are effective through May 31, 2025.
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the SCE CARE program. It’s important to note that these figures represent the gross annual income for your household.
Other Ways to Qualify for CARE
Even if your income slightly exceeds these limits, you may still qualify for the Southern California Edison CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial assistance and automatically qualify you for CARE. Qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- 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 makes you eligible for the SCE CARE discount, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for SCE CARE
Applying for the Southern California Edison CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is through the SCE website. Visit the Southern California Edison CARE program page for online application forms and detailed instructions.
You can also request an application form by calling SCE directly at 1-800-655-4555. Their customer service representatives can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, application forms are often available at numerous community agencies throughout Southern California.
Explore FERA: Additional Assistance
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a smaller discount of 18% on your electricity bill. FERA is designed for families with slightly higher incomes who still need help managing their energy costs.
For more information on FERA and to see if you qualify, visit the SCE website or contact them directly. Both CARE and FERA are valuable resources to help Southern California Edison customers manage their energy expenses and maintain comfortable and safe homes. Don’t hesitate to reach out and see if you are eligible for these important programs.
