Are you looking for ways to reduce your Southern California Edison (SCE) energy bill? If you’re a low-income customer in California, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program could significantly lower your expenses. A key question many have is: how much is the SCE CARE program rate? This program offers substantial discounts to help eligible households manage their energy costs. Let’s break down the SCE CARE program rate and explore how you can benefit.
Understanding the SCE CARE Program Discount
The SCE CARE program provides a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This substantial reduction can make a real difference in your monthly budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential needs. For example, if your average monthly electricity bill is $100, the CARE program could lower it to between $65 and $70. These savings are designed to ease the energy burden for those who qualify.
SCE CARE Program Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
Eligibility for the SCE CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program uses income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, as detailed in the table below.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the SCE CARE program.
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are 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’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 qualifies you for the SCE CARE program, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program
Applying for the SCE CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is through the Southern California Edison website. You can visit their CARE program page here to access the online application.
Alternatively, you can request an application form by contacting SCE directly at 1-866-675-6623. Their customer service representatives can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have about the program and the SCE CARE program rate.
Application forms are also often available at community agencies in your area. These agencies can provide assistance with filling out the application and gathering the necessary documentation.
Exploring Additional Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. While CARE offers a more significant discount, FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill.
FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, along with San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of households.
| 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 |
If you are unsure whether you qualify for CARE or FERA, it’s best to contact SCE directly. They can assess your situation and guide you to the program that best fits your needs.
Take Action and Lower Your Energy Rate
Understanding how much is the SCE CARE program rate is the first step towards saving money on your energy bills. With discounts of 30-35% on electricity and 20% on natural gas, the CARE program offers substantial financial relief to eligible low-income customers. Don’t wait to take advantage of these savings. Visit the SCE website or call their customer service today to apply and start reducing your energy expenses. Energy assistance is available – reach out and see how the SCE CARE program can help you.
