Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills in California? Relief may be available through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, especially if you are a customer of Southern California Edison. This program is designed to assist low-income households by providing significant discounts on their monthly electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy expenses, understanding the California Edison Care Program could be the first step towards significant savings.
What is the California CARE Program?
The California CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers eligible customers a substantial discount on their energy bills. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This discount can make a considerable difference for families with tight budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
This program is available across California, but the specifics and application process are managed by individual utility companies. For customers of Southern California Edison, the California Edison CARE program provides this crucial financial assistance.
Who Qualifies for the California Edison CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely to qualify. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits 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 |
These income limits are updated annually, so it’s important to check the current guidelines on the Southern California Edison website or by contacting them directly.
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for the California Edison CARE program 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 CARE, simplifying the application process.
Applying for the California Edison CARE Program
To apply for the California Edison CARE program, the most direct route is to contact Southern California Edison. You can request an application form and get detailed information through the following channels:
- Phone: 866-675-6623
- Website: https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/care-fera
The website provides comprehensive information about the CARE program, eligibility requirements, and the application process. You can often download application forms directly from the site or submit an online application. Customer service representatives are also available via phone to answer your questions and guide you through the application.
CARE Programs with Other California Utilities
While this article focuses on the California Edison CARE program, it’s important to know that similar CARE programs are available through other utility companies in California. If you are not an Edison customer, you can find information and apply for CARE through your specific utility provider. Here is a list of major California utilities and links to their CARE program information:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone | Website for CARE Program |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
No matter your utility provider in California, exploring the CARE program is a worthwhile step if you are seeking assistance with your energy bills.
Conclusion
The California Edison CARE program and similar initiatives across the state offer vital support to low-income households, making energy more affordable and accessible. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take advantage of these programs and reduce your monthly utility expenses. If you are a Southern California Edison customer and believe you qualify, reach out to them today to learn more and begin your application for the CARE program. Don’t let high energy bills strain your budget when help is available.
