Are you a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer struggling to keep up with your energy bills? The Sc Edison Care Program, officially known as the Community Based Organization (CBO) Arrears Case Management Pilot Program, is a new initiative designed to provide crucial support. Authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), this free pilot program offers personalized assistance to help residential customers like you reduce past due energy bills and avoid service disconnection. If you’re facing energy debt, understanding the SC Edison Care Program could be your first step towards financial relief and energy stability.
Understanding the SC Edison Care Program
The SC Edison Care Program is more than just a temporary fix; it’s a comprehensive support system aimed at empowering SCE customers to regain control over their energy expenses. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this program:
Purpose of the Program
The primary goal of the SC Edison Care Program is straightforward: to help residential customers effectively manage and reduce their past due energy bills. By providing dedicated support and resources, the program aims to prevent service disconnections and promote long-term energy affordability for participants. This initiative recognizes the challenges many families face in managing utility debt and offers a helping hand to navigate these difficulties.
Services Offered Through the SC Edison Care Program
When you enroll in the SC Edison Care Program, you gain access to personalized guidance from a dedicated CBO case manager. These authorized professionals work directly with you, offering a range of services tailored to your specific needs:
- Creating a Personalized Action Plan: Your case manager will help you develop a step-by-step plan to tackle your past due energy bills. This plan will be customized to your financial situation and energy usage patterns, providing a clear roadmap to debt reduction.
- Enrollment in SCE Assistance Programs: Navigating the various assistance programs offered by SCE can be complex. Your case manager will expertly guide you through the options and assist you in enrolling in relevant programs that can provide ongoing financial relief on your energy bills. This ensures you’re maximizing available resources to lower your energy costs.
- Setting Up Payment Plans with SCE: If you need more flexible payment options, your case manager will work with SCE to establish manageable payment plans. This can help you break down large past due amounts into smaller, more affordable installments, making it easier to catch up on your bills.
- Learning Energy Management and Cost-Saving Tips: Beyond immediate bill relief, the SC Edison Care Program focuses on long-term energy management. You’ll receive practical tips and advice on how to reduce your energy consumption, implement energy-saving practices at home, and ultimately lower your monthly bills. This knowledge empowers you to maintain affordable energy costs in the future.
Program Timeline: Key Dates to Remember
The SC Edison Care Program operates on a defined timeline. It’s crucial to be aware of these dates if you’re interested in participating:
- Program Start Date: December 2024
- Program Conclusion Date: April 2026
- Enrollment Period: December 2024 – July 2025
While services will be available to enrolled participants until April 2026, new enrollments are only accepted between December 2024 and July 2025. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in the SC Edison Care Program, it’s important to enroll within this enrollment window.
Am I Eligible for the SC Edison Care Program?
Eligibility for the SC Edison Care Program is based on specific criteria to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most within the designated pilot areas. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:
- SCE Customer: You must be a current residential customer of Southern California Edison.
- Residency in Specific Zip Codes: The pilot program is currently available to residents within the following zip codes: 92399, 92404, 92407, 92410, and 93292. Check if your residential zip code is included to determine eligibility.
- Past Due Electric Bill: You must have a past due electric bill that is at least 90 days old. This indicates a significant level of energy debt requiring intervention.
- Income Level: The SC Edison Care Program is inclusive and welcomes participants from all income levels. There are no income restrictions to participate in this program.
How to Enroll in the SC Edison Care Program
Enrolling in the SC Edison Care Program is a straightforward process. To take advantage of this opportunity, you need to contact one of the authorized Community Based Organizations (CBOs) serving your zip code. (Please note: The original article would typically list the specific CBOs and their contact information here. As this information was not provided in the input, you would need to insert the relevant CBO contact details for each listed zip code from the original source to complete this section and make it actionable for readers).
By reaching out to the designated CBO for your area, you can express your interest in the SC Edison Care Program and begin the enrollment process. The CBO representatives will guide you through the necessary steps and answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SC Edison Care Program
To provide further clarity and address common queries, here are answers to frequently asked questions about the SC Edison Care Program:
1. Is there a cost to participate in the SC Edison Care Program?
No, participation in the SC Edison Care Program is completely free for eligible customers. There are no program fees or charges associated with receiving assistance from a CBO case manager or accessing any of the program services.
2. How long does the SC Edison Care Program last?
The pilot program officially runs from December 2024 to April 2026. If you enroll in the program, you can receive case management services and support throughout this entire period, as long as you remain enrolled and meet program requirements. However, remember that new enrollments are only accepted until July 2025.
3. What is expected of me as a participant in the SC Edison Care Program?
As a participant, you are expected to actively engage with your assigned CBO case manager. This includes meeting with them at least once every quarter to discuss your progress, provide updates on your situation, and collaboratively work towards resolving your past due energy bills. Active participation is key to maximizing the benefits of the program.
4. What if I decide to unenroll from the SC Edison Care Program?
You can unenroll from the SC Edison Care Program at any time if you no longer wish to participate. To unenroll, simply contact your CBO case manager and inform them of your decision.
5. Can I still participate in the SC Edison Care Program if I am already enrolled in other energy assistance programs?
Yes, generally, you can participate in the SC Edison Care Program even if you are enrolled in other SCE energy assistance programs. However, there is one exception: participants in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) pilot program are not eligible to participate in the CBO Arrears Case Management Pilot Program (i.e., the SC Edison Care Program). For clarification regarding your specific situation and other program enrollments, it’s best to consult with your CBO case manager.
6. What happens if I move after enrolling in the SC Edison Care Program?
If you relocate to a new address within Southern California Edison’s service territory, you can continue participating in the SC Edison Care Program. However, if you move outside of SCE’s service territory, you will be unenrolled from the program as you will no longer be an SCE customer.
7. Can I be terminated from the SC Edison Care Program?
Yes, there are circumstances under which a participant may be unenrolled from the SC Edison Care Program. These reasons include, but are not limited to:
- Lack of Communication: If your CBO case manager makes three separate attempts to contact you within a 60-day period, and you fail to respond or follow up, you may be unenrolled.
- Relocation Outside SCE Territory: As mentioned earlier, moving outside of Southern California Edison’s service area will result in unenrollment.
It’s important to maintain communication with your case manager and adhere to program guidelines to ensure continued participation in the SC Edison Care Program.
Learn more about the CPUC proceeding.
The SC Edison Care Program represents a valuable opportunity for eligible Southern California Edison customers to receive free, personalized support in managing and overcoming energy debt. If you are struggling with past due bills and reside in one of the eligible zip codes, we encourage you to reach out to the designated CBO for your area to learn more and enroll in this helpful program before the enrollment period closes in July 2025.
