The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state-initiated program designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses. For customers of Edison, this means access to significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re an Edison customer and finding it difficult to keep up with utility costs, understanding the CARE program can be the first step towards financial relief.
The CARE program offers a substantial discount to eligible households, specifically a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This reduction can make a considerable difference in monthly expenses for qualifying families and individuals. It’s important to note that these discounts are designed to ensure that essential energy services remain affordable for those who need assistance most.
Understanding Edison’s CARE Program Eligibility
Eligibility for the CARE program with Edison is primarily based on household income. The program utilizes income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of the latest update, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are structured 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 may also qualify for Edison’s CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These qualifying 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 through participation in these programs simplifies the application process, making it easier for eligible individuals and families to receive assistance.
How to Apply for the CARE Program with Edison
To apply for the CARE program and begin receiving discounts on your Edison energy bills, the first step is to contact Edison directly. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information by reaching out to Edison through the following channels:
- Phone: 866-675-6623
- Website: Edison CARE Program Website
The Edison website provides comprehensive information about the CARE program, including application forms, eligibility verification details, and answers to frequently asked questions. Applying online can often be the quickest and most convenient method.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s an additional program to consider: 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 those for CARE, making it an option for households that are just above the CARE income threshold but still need assistance with energy costs. Below are the income guidelines for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 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 |
If you believe your household income may qualify for FERA, it’s recommended to contact your electric utility, in this case, Edison, to inquire about the program and the application process.
Conclusion: Taking Advantage of Energy Assistance
The CARE program offered by Edison is a vital resource for low-income customers in California, providing crucial discounts on energy bills. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is key to accessing this assistance. If you are an Edison customer and believe you may qualify for CARE or FERA, reaching out to Edison directly via phone or their website is the recommended next step to explore your options and begin saving on your energy expenses. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these programs designed to support you and your family in managing essential utility costs.
