California residents struggling with energy costs often seek assistance programs to ease their financial burden. If you’re a customer of Edison, you might be wondering, “Does Edison Have A Care Program?” The answer is a resounding yes. Southern California Edison (SCE), one of California’s major utility companies, actively participates in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This vital program offers significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills if you meet certain income requirements or participate in specific public assistance programs. Understanding the CARE program and how it applies to Edison customers can be the first step towards managing your energy expenses more effectively.
What is the California CARE Program?
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state-wide initiative designed to help low-income households afford their energy bills. It provides eligible customers with a substantial discount, specifically a 30-35 percent reduction on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This discount can make a significant difference for families and individuals with limited incomes, ensuring access to essential energy services. The CARE program is funded through a small surcharge on the bills of other utility customers, demonstrating a collective effort to support vulnerable communities.
Does Edison Offer the CARE Program?
Yes, Edison is a participating utility in the California CARE program. Southern California Edison understands the importance of affordable energy for its customers and actively promotes and administers the CARE program. If you are an Edison customer and believe you may qualify, you can directly access information and application forms through Edison’s dedicated CARE program webpage. For immediate assistance or to request an application, you can also contact Edison’s dedicated phone line for energy assistance programs.
Find out if you qualify for Edison’s CARE program and start saving on your energy bills today.
For Emergency Payment Assistance and CARE Program Inquiries, Contact Edison Directly: 866-675-6623
CARE Program Eligibility – Income Guidelines for Edison Customers
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and ensure the program reaches those who need it most. For Edison customers, the income guidelines are aligned with the state CARE program requirements.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To qualify for CARE through income, your total household income must be at or below the limits shown in the table above. These income limits are effective until May 31, 2025, and are subject to change in subsequent years. Be sure to check for updated income guidelines when applying.
Other Eligibility Criteria for Edison’s CARE Program
Besides income, you can also qualify for Edison’s CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that individuals and families already receiving aid through other channels can easily access energy bill relief. 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 automatically makes you eligible for the CARE discount with Edison, simplifying the application process for many.
Beyond CARE: Exploring Edison’s FERA Program
For Edison customers whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another assistance option available: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a smaller discount of 18% on electricity bills. While less substantial than CARE, FERA can still offer valuable savings for families working to manage their household expenses.
FERA has its own set of income guidelines, set at a slightly higher threshold than CARE. If you suspect your income might be too high for CARE but you still need assistance, exploring the FERA program with Edison is a worthwhile step.
| 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 your household size and income fall within the FERA income limits, you may be eligible for this program through Edison. Contact Edison directly to inquire about FERA and determine your eligibility.
Conclusion
Navigating energy bills can be challenging, especially for households with limited incomes. Fortunately, for Edison customers in California, the CARE program provides a significant opportunity to reduce energy costs. By offering substantial discounts based on income or enrollment in public assistance programs, CARE ensures that essential energy services are more affordable and accessible. Furthermore, Edison’s participation in the FERA program extends assistance to families who slightly exceed CARE income limits.
If you are an Edison customer and believe you may qualify for either CARE or FERA, reach out to Southern California Edison today. Visit their website or call their dedicated assistance line to learn more, request an application, and take the first step towards managing your energy bills and securing valuable financial relief. Don’t let energy costs be a constant worry – explore the assistance programs available to you and take control of your energy expenses.
