The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you are a customer of Edison (Southern California Edison) and are eligible for CARE, you can receive a significant discount on your monthly utility bills. This article breaks down exactly how much of a discount you can expect and what it means for your energy expenses.
Understanding the CARE Program Discount with Edison
Southern California Edison (Edison) participates in the CARE program to offer financial relief to eligible low-income customers. The program provides discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for those who qualify.
Discount Percentages for Edison Customers
For Edison customers enrolled in the CARE program, the discount is substantial:
- Electricity Discount: You will receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill. This is a significant reduction aimed at easing the burden of electricity costs.
- Natural Gas Discount: While the original article mentions natural gas discounts in general for CARE, it’s important to note that Edison primarily provides electricity. Natural gas services in Southern California are mainly provided by SoCalGas. Therefore, the 20 percent natural gas discount mentioned in the original article would typically apply to SoCalGas customers, not directly to Edison customers unless Edison provides gas service in specific areas (which is less common). For Edison customers, the primary discount to focus on is the 30-35% on electricity.
It’s crucial to confirm the exact discount percentages and applicability to natural gas with Edison directly, as program details can be updated. You can find contact information and website links in the table below to reach out to Edison for the most current information.
Eligibility for Edison’s CARE Program
To qualify for the CARE program with Edison, your household income must fall at or below certain income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Income Guidelines for Edison CARE
As of the latest guidelines, the income limits to be eligible for CARE 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 |
If your household size and income meet these criteria, you are likely eligible for the CARE program discount with Edison.
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds these limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you or someone in 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’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
If you participate in any of these programs, you are automatically eligible for the CARE discount, regardless of your specific income level (as long as it aligns with the requirements of the qualifying public assistance program).
Contacting Edison for CARE Program Application
To apply for the CARE program with Edison and to get the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is best to contact Edison directly. You can reach them through the following means:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| Edison |
You can call the phone number provided or visit the website link to access the CARE application and find more detailed information about the program. Edison’s website offers comprehensive resources to guide you through the application process and answer any specific questions you might have about your eligibility and the discount amount.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income is slightly higher than the CARE income limits, there’s another program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a lower discount than CARE, specifically an 18% discount on electricity bills. FERA is available to Edison customers, as well as customers of PG&E and SDG&E.
While FERA offers a smaller discount than CARE, it can still provide valuable savings for households that just miss the CARE income qualifications. If you believe your income might be too high for CARE but still need assistance, it is worth exploring the FERA program with Edison. Contact Edison to inquire about FERA eligibility and application process.
Conclusion
The CARE program offers a vital financial safety net for low-income Edison customers in California. By providing a 30-35 percent discount on electricity bills, the program significantly reduces energy costs for eligible households. If you believe you qualify based on income or participation in public assistance programs, reaching out to Edison directly is the first step to accessing these valuable savings and making your energy bills more manageable.
