The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to help low-income households in California manage their energy expenses. Specifically for customers of Edison, this program offers substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for those who qualify. If you’re an Edison customer and struggling with your energy costs, understanding the CARE program and its benefits is the first step towards potential relief.
Understanding the Edison CARE Program: Lowering Your Energy Bills
The Edison CARE program provides eligible low-income customers with significant discounts to help manage their utility bills. Participants in the CARE program receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts are crucial for households struggling to afford essential energy services.
This program is available to customers of various utility companies across California, including Edison. Each utility company manages its CARE program, but the core benefits and eligibility criteria are consistent under the state guidelines.
To determine your eligibility and apply for the Edison CARE program, it’s essential to understand the income guidelines and other qualifying criteria.
Who is Eligible for the Edison CARE Program? Income Guidelines and Requirements
Eligibility for the Edison CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program utilizes income thresholds 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, and are as follows:
| 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 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the Edison CARE program.
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial assistance and automatically qualify you 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 makes you automatically eligible for the Edison CARE discount, simplifying the application process.
Benefits of Enrolling in the Edison CARE Program
The Edison CARE program offers several key benefits for low-income customers:
- Significant Savings: The most direct benefit is the substantial discount on your monthly energy bills – 30-35% on electricity and 20% on natural gas. These savings can free up a significant portion of your budget for other essential needs.
- Increased Affordability: By reducing your energy costs, the CARE program makes it easier to afford essential utilities, ensuring you can maintain a comfortable and safe living environment.
- Financial Relief: For households struggling to make ends meet, the CARE program provides crucial financial relief, helping to alleviate the burden of high energy expenses.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program with Edison
Applying for the Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. You can start by visiting the Southern California Edison (SCE) website, which provides detailed information and application forms.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the SCE Website: Go to the official Southern California Edison website and navigate to their assistance programs section, specifically looking for the CARE program. You can also directly search for “Edison CARE program” on any search engine to find the relevant page.
- Download the Application Form: The SCE website provides online application options and downloadable application forms. You can download, print, and fill out the application form.
- Gather Required Documentation: Ensure you have the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility, such as proof of income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application form and supporting documents to Edison as instructed on their website or application form. This may involve mailing it in or submitting it online.
For direct assistance and to request an application form, you can also contact Edison directly:
- Edison CARE Program Phone Number: 866-675-6623
- Edison CARE Program Website: https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/care-fera
By contacting Edison or visiting their website, you can get the most up-to-date information and support throughout your application process.
Exploring Additional Assistance: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
In addition to CARE, California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is designed for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines but still need assistance with their electricity bills.
FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If your income is slightly above the CARE limits but below the FERA limits, you should explore the FERA program to see if you qualify for this additional assistance. Contact your utility company to inquire about FERA and its application process.
Resources and Oversight for Low-Income Energy Programs
California is committed to supporting low-income residents with their energy needs. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees these programs, ensuring that utility companies provide these essential discounts to eligible customers.
Furthermore, the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) advises the CPUC on energy assistance programs. The LIOB ensures that these programs are effective and meet the needs of low-income communities in California.
For more information about CARE, FERA, and other energy assistance programs, you can also explore the CPUC website and the LIOB website.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of the Edison CARE Program
The Edison CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households in California, offering significant discounts on energy bills. If you believe you may be eligible, take the time to explore the program, check the income guidelines, and apply. Reducing your energy costs can make a real difference in your household budget and overall financial well-being. Contact Edison today to learn more and start your application process. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your energy bills more affordable through the Edison CARE program.
