Are you finding it difficult to manage your energy bills in Southern California? The Edison CARE program, also known as the California Alternate Rates for Energy program, is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. If you’re an Edison customer, understanding and applying for the Care Program Edison can significantly ease your financial burden.
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). It offers substantial discounts to eligible customers, making energy more affordable for those who need it most. Funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, CARE ensures that assistance is readily available within the community.
Understanding the Edison CARE Program Benefits
Enrolling in the care program edison provides considerable savings. Participants receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can make a significant difference in your monthly budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential needs.
Edison CARE Program Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
Eligibility for the care program edison is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income is at or below the following limits, you are likely eligible:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you may also qualify for the care program edison if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 Edison CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program with Edison
Applying for the care program edison is straightforward. Southern California Edison provides multiple avenues to apply and access more information.
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Visit the Edison Website: The quickest way to start your application is by visiting the official Edison website dedicated to the CARE program: CARE. Here, you can find detailed information, application forms, and FAQs.
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Contact Edison Directly: You can also request an application form and ask questions by contacting Edison’s customer service directly. Call them at 866-675-6623 to speak with a representative who can guide you through the process.
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Community Agencies: Application assistance is also available through numerous community agencies throughout California. These agencies can provide support in completing your application and understanding the program requirements. Contact your local community resource center to inquire about CARE program assistance.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA, also offered by Edison, provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill.
FERA is designed for families with slightly higher incomes than CARE allows but still need help managing energy costs. Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
To determine if you qualify for FERA or to learn more about this program in conjunction with the care program edison, it is best to contact Edison directly.
Take Action: Contact Edison for Energy Bill Relief
Navigating energy costs can be challenging, but programs like the care program edison and FERA are valuable resources for eligible Southern California residents. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Southern California Edison to explore your eligibility and begin your application.
Contact Information for Edison:
- Phone: 866-675-6623
- Website: https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/care-fera
By taking advantage of these programs, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills and improve your overall financial well-being.
