Are you a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer struggling to manage your energy bills? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, a state initiative designed to help low-income households afford their electricity costs. This program offers significant discounts on your monthly energy bills, making it easier to keep your home comfortable without financial strain.
Understanding the CARE Program Benefits with Southern California Edison
The CARE program provides eligible SCE customers with a substantial discount on their energy bills. Specifically, if you qualify for CARE with Southern California Edison, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill. This discount can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, freeing up your budget for other essential needs. While the original article mentions a gas discount, it’s important to note that Southern California Edison primarily provides electricity, so the main benefit for SCE customers under CARE is the electricity bill discount.
Eligibility for Southern California Edison CARE Program
To qualify for the Southern California Edison CARE program, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements, primarily based on your household income or enrollment in specific public assistance programs.
Income Guidelines:
Your total household income must be at or below the following limits to be eligible for CARE. These income limits are updated annually and are currently effective through May 31, 2025.
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs:
Even if your income is slightly above the guidelines, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in any of the following public assistance programs:
- 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
How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program
Applying for the Southern California Edison CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is through the SCE website. You can visit the Southern California Edison CARE program page to access the online application. The website also provides detailed information about the program, eligibility verification documents needed, and answers to frequently asked questions.
If you prefer, you can also request an application form by calling Southern California Edison directly at 1-866-675-6623. Representatives can guide you through the application process and answer any specific questions you might have.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: Additional Support
Southern California Edison also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines. FERA provides a lower discount of 18% on your electricity bill. If your income is too high for CARE but still within the FERA income limits, you should explore this program to receive some relief on your energy costs.
FERA Income Guidelines:
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To learn more about the FERA program and determine if you qualify, visit the Southern California Edison CARE and FERA page or contact SCE directly.
Conclusion
The Southern California Edison CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income customers seeking assistance with their energy bills. By providing a significant discount, CARE helps make energy more affordable and accessible. If you believe you may be eligible, take the first step and explore the application process through the SCE website or by contacting their customer service. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to lower your electricity costs and improve your household’s financial well-being.
