The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households in California manage their energy costs. If you are a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer, understanding the CARE program and its income limits is crucial to determine your eligibility for significant discounts on your electricity bills. This program offers a vital lifeline by providing a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills for enrolled customers. Let’s delve into the details of the SCE CARE program and its income requirements to see if you qualify for this valuable assistance.
What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program?
The CARE program is a state-mandated program created by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to provide financial assistance to eligible low-income customers. It helps reduce the burden of energy expenses by offering substantial discounts on monthly utility bills. For customers of major California utilities like Southern California Edison, this translates to a significant saving, specifically a 30-35% discount on electricity. This discount is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring support for those who need it most.
SCE CARE Program Income Limits: Are You Eligible?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program has established income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. To qualify for the SCE CARE program, your total gross household income must be at or below the specified income limits. These income limits are based on household size, ensuring that larger families with greater needs are also considered.
Here are the current CARE income guidelines, effective through May 31, 2025:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To determine if you meet the Sce Care Program Income Limits, find your household size in the table above and check if your gross annual income is equal to or less than the corresponding limit. Remember, these income limits are effective until May 31, 2025, and are subject to change thereafter.
Additional Pathways to CARE Program Eligibility
Besides income limits, you can also qualify for the CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This provision ensures that individuals and families already receiving aid can also benefit from reduced energy costs. Qualifying public assistance 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you are automatically eligible for the CARE program, regardless of your gross household income (as long as you meet the enrollment criteria for the qualifying public assistance program).
How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program
Applying for the SCE CARE program is a straightforward process. Southern California Edison provides easy access to application forms and information to guide you through each step. To apply or to get more detailed information, you can:
- Visit the SCE Website: The quickest way to access information and application forms is through the official Southern California Edison website. Navigate to their CARE program page for downloadable forms and online application options.
- Contact SCE Directly: You can call SCE’s dedicated line for assistance programs at 866-675-6623. Customer service representatives can answer your questions, provide application forms, and guide you through the application process.
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Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program income limits, there is another assistance program available: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. While less substantial than the CARE discount, FERA is designed to assist households that are still income-constrained but don’t qualify for CARE.
FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Here are the income limits for the FERA program, also effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 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 the FERA income limits and exceeds the CARE limits, you should explore the FERA program to see if you qualify for this additional assistance. Contact your electric utility, in this case, Southern California Edison, to inquire about FERA and the application process.
Contact Southern California Edison for More Information
Navigating utility assistance programs can seem daunting, but Southern California Edison is ready to help. If you believe you may be eligible for the CARE or FERA program, or if you have any questions about income limits or the application process, reach out to SCE directly.
Southern California Edison Assistance Programs:
- Phone: 866-675-6623
- Website: SCE CARE Program
Take advantage of these resources to determine your eligibility and start saving on your energy bills today. The CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources designed to make energy more affordable for eligible California residents.
