Are you looking for ways to lower your monthly electricity and gas bills? If you are a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer and meet certain income requirements, you might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative provides significant discounts to help make energy services more affordable for households with limited incomes.
Understanding the SCE CARE Program
The SCE CARE program is designed to assist low-income customers in managing their energy expenses. Participants in the CARE program receive a substantial discount on their utility bills. Specifically, this translates to a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts are crucial for families and individuals striving to make ends meet, allowing them to allocate their funds to other essential needs.
This program is available to customers of various utility companies across California, including Southern California Edison. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates these utilities to ensure programs like CARE are accessible and beneficial to eligible residents.
To find out more about the SCE CARE program and how it can help you save money, refer to the table below for contact information and direct links to the application pages for different utility providers:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
Who is Eligible for the SCE CARE Program?
Eligibility for the SCE CARE program is primarily based on 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 to reflect changes in the cost of living.
The current income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, and are as follows:
| 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, you can also qualify for CARE if you or a member of your household is 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 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 SCE CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program
Applying for the SCE CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is directly through the Southern California Edison website. You can visit their CARE program page (linked in the table above) to access the online application form.
Alternatively, you can request an application form by contacting SCE directly via phone. Their customer service representatives can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Many community agencies also have CARE application forms available and can provide assistance with completing and submitting them.
The CARE program is funded through a small surcharge on the bills of non-CARE utility customers. This collective support ensures that low-income households receive the energy assistance they need. Income limits are reviewed and potentially adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation and economic changes, ensuring the program remains effective and accessible.
Explore Other Assistance Programs: FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill and is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,641 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,401 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,161 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,921 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,681 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,441 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
For detailed information on the FERA program and to determine if you qualify, please contact your utility company. They can provide you with the necessary information and application assistance.
снизить расходы на электроэнергию.
