The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to assist low-income households in managing their energy expenses. Specifically for customers of Edison (Southern California Edison), understanding the CARE program and its status is crucial for accessing significant discounts on your utility bills. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Edison CARE program, helping you understand its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to check your enrollment status.
What is the Edison CARE Program?
The Edison CARE program is a state-mandated program that offers substantial discounts to eligible low-income customers. Enrollees benefit from a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This financial relief is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring support for those who need it most. The program aims to make energy more affordable for vulnerable households, helping them maintain essential services.
[Removed Image]
Edison CARE Program Eligibility: Income and Public Assistance
Eligibility for the Edison CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program utilizes income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, and are structured as follows:
Income Guidelines for Edison CARE
| 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 |
These income limits ensure that the program reaches households genuinely in need of financial assistance with their energy bills. It is important to note these limits are subject to annual adjustments.
[Removed Image]
Beyond income, customers may also automatically qualify for the Edison CARE program if they are participants in certain public assistance programs. This streamlines the application process for those already receiving aid. These qualifying programs include:
Eligibility Through 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
Enrollment in any of these programs can serve as automatic qualification for the Edison CARE program, simplifying access to energy discounts.
Checking Your Edison CARE Program Status
If you believe you are eligible for the Edison CARE program and have applied, or if you are currently enrolled and wish to check your status, the most direct method is to contact Edison directly. You can easily inquire about your Edison Care Program Status through the following means:
- Phone: Call Edison’s dedicated assistance line at 866-675-6623. Customer service representatives can provide immediate updates on your application or enrollment status.
- Website: Visit the official Edison website dedicated to the CARE program: CARE Program Link. Here, you may find options to check your status online, access application forms, and find more detailed information about the program.
By reaching out through these channels, you can gain clarity on your Edison CARE program status and ensure you are receiving the benefits you are entitled to.
Beyond CARE: Understanding the FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. The FERA program provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA Income Guidelines for Edison Customers
| 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 household income falls within these higher limits, exploring the FERA program with Edison could provide additional savings on your energy costs.
Conclusion
Understanding your Edison CARE program status is essential for low-income households in California to access crucial energy bill discounts. By meeting the income guidelines or participating in qualifying public assistance programs, you can significantly reduce your energy expenses. Regularly checking your program status and exploring related programs like FERA ensures you are maximizing available assistance. Contact Edison today to confirm your eligibility and enrollment, and take control of your energy affordability.
