The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state-mandated initiative designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy expenses. For Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison) customers, this means significant savings on your monthly utility bills. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your electricity and natural gas costs, understanding the Socal Edison Care Program is your first step towards energy bill relief.
What is the SoCal Edison CARE Program?
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to eligible low-income customers. Specifically, SoCal Edison CARE participants receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in your household budget, ensuring access to essential energy services without financial strain.
Are You Eligible for SoCal Edison CARE?
Eligibility for the SoCal Edison CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program uses income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. 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 guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025.
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Free Lunch Program
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 the SoCal Edison CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the SoCal Edison CARE Program
Applying for the SoCal Edison CARE program is straightforward. You can access the application and find more detailed information through several channels:
- Online: Visit the SoCal Edison website dedicated to the CARE program: CARE. Here you can download application forms and find answers to frequently asked questions.
- Phone: Contact SoCal Edison directly at 866-675-6623. Customer service representatives can provide application forms, answer your questions, and guide you through the enrollment process.
Don’t miss out on potential savings. Check your eligibility today and take advantage of the SoCal Edison CARE program to lower your energy bills.
Exploring Additional Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less than the CARE discount, it still offers significant savings for eligible Southern California Edison customers.
| 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 these ranges, explore the FERA program as an additional way to manage your energy costs with SoCal Edison.
Contact SoCal Edison to learn more about both the CARE and FERA programs, and discover which assistance options best suit your household’s needs.
