The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households in California manage their energy costs. If you are a customer of Edison (Southern California Edison) and are looking for ways to reduce your electricity bill, the CARE program could be a valuable resource. This program offers a significant discount on your monthly energy bill, making it more affordable to power your home.
Understanding the Edison CARE Program
Southern California Edison (Edison) participates in the statewide CARE program, providing eligible customers with a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bills. This discount is crucial for households struggling to keep up with rising energy costs. The CARE program is funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring its sustainability and availability for those who need it most.
To determine if you qualify for the Edison CARE program, income is a primary factor. The program uses income guidelines to assess eligibility, ensuring that assistance is directed to those with the greatest financial need. These guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and economic conditions.
Edison CARE Program Income Chart
The income chart below outlines the income limits for the Edison CARE program. If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible to receive the CARE discount. These income limits are effective through May 31, 2025.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
This chart clearly shows that the income limits increase with household size. For example, a household of 1-2 people must have an annual income of $40,880 or less to qualify, while a household of 4 can have an income up to $62,400. For each additional person beyond 8, an extra $10,760 is added to the income limit.
Additional Eligibility Pathways for Edison CARE
Besides income, you may also be eligible for the Edison CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs indicate that your household is likely to meet the low-income criteria for CARE. Qualifying public assistance 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 can automatically qualify you for the Edison CARE discount, simplifying the application process.
Exploring FERA for Additional Assistance
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a smaller discount of 18% on your electricity bill and is available to Edison customers, along with those of San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
| 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 |
FERA acts as a safety net for families who are just above the CARE income threshold, providing continued assistance with energy bills. Reviewing the FERA income guidelines can help you determine if this program is a better fit for your household.
Take the Next Step: Contact Edison
To apply for the Edison CARE program or to get more detailed information about eligibility and the application process, the best step is to contact Edison directly. You can reach them at:
Edison Emergency Payment Phone Number: 866-675-6623
Edison CARE Program Website: CARE
Their website offers comprehensive information about the CARE program and other assistance options. Reaching out directly will provide you with the most accurate and personalized guidance for your situation. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to lower your energy bills through the Edison CARE program if you are eligible.
