Are you a Southern California Edison customer struggling with your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers substantial discounts to eligible low-income households, making your energy costs more manageable. This guide focuses specifically on the Edison Care Program Income Guidelines and other eligibility requirements to help you determine if you qualify for this valuable assistance.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) established the CARE program to help income-qualified households afford their energy bills. This program provides significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas services, ensuring that essential energy remains accessible for everyone. CARE is funded by a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, demonstrating a collective effort to support those in need.
Southern California Edison CARE Program: Specifics and Benefits
Southern California Edison (Edison) is one of the major utility companies participating in the CARE program. For Edison customers who qualify, the CARE program offers a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. These discounts can significantly reduce your monthly expenses and provide much-needed financial relief.
Edison CARE Income Guidelines for 2024-2025
Eligibility for the Edison CARE program is largely based on household income. The following income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, and are crucial for determining if you meet the Edison CARE program income guidelines:
| 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 |
To qualify for the Edison CARE program, your total gross household income must be at or below these limits. It’s important to note that these Edison CARE program income guidelines are updated periodically, often annually, to reflect changes in the cost of living and inflation.
Additional Eligibility Pathways for Edison CARE
Even if your income is slightly above the stated guidelines, you may still be eligible for the Edison CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a household’s need for financial assistance and automatically qualify you for CARE. These qualifying 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 automatically makes you eligible for the Edison CARE program, regardless of whether you strictly meet the Edison CARE program income guidelines.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE income limits, there’s another program to consider: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, as well as San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
While FERA provides a smaller discount than CARE, it serves as a crucial safety net for households that are still income-constrained but don’t qualify for CARE. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of families.
| Household Size | 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 |
If your household income falls within the FERA guidelines, and you are an Edison customer (or with PG&E or SDG&E), you should definitely investigate this program to potentially lower your electricity costs.
How to Apply for Edison CARE and FERA Programs
To apply for the Edison CARE program or to learn more about FERA, the best first step is to contact Southern California Edison directly. You can reach them through the following channels:
- Phone: 866-675-6623
- Website: Edison CARE Program Website
Their website offers detailed information, application forms, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also request an application form and assistance from numerous community agencies throughout California.
Conclusion: Take Action on Edison CARE and Manage Your Energy Bills
Understanding the Edison CARE program income guidelines and eligibility criteria is the first step towards potentially lowering your energy bills. Both the CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for eligible Southern California Edison customers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Edison or visit their website to explore these programs further and start saving on your energy costs today.
