Are you a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer struggling to manage your energy bills? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, designed to help income-qualified households save money on their electricity and natural gas expenses. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who need it most.
The CARE program provides a substantial discount of 30-35% on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill. These savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget, ensuring you can maintain essential services without financial strain. To determine if you qualify and to apply for the CARE program with SCE, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria and the application process.
Understanding CARE Program Eligibility for SCE Customers
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. 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 effective until May 31, 2025, and are subject to change annually to reflect inflation and economic conditions. If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are 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’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 the CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program
To apply for the CARE program with Southern California Edison, the most direct approach is to contact SCE directly. You can reach them through the following methods:
- Website: Visit the dedicated CARE program page on the SCE website: CARE Program – SCE. This website provides detailed information about the program and may offer online application options or downloadable forms.
- Phone: Call SCE’s dedicated assistance line at 866-675-6623. Customer service representatives can provide you with application forms, answer your questions, and guide you through the application process.
When you contact SCE, be prepared to provide information about your household size, income, and any enrollment in public assistance programs. Having this information ready will streamline the application process.
Explore Additional Assistance: FERA Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a lower discount of 18% on your electricity bill but has higher income thresholds. For example, a household of 4 can qualify for FERA with an income up to $78,000, compared to $62,400 for CARE. Contact SCE to inquire about FERA and determine if it’s a better fit for your situation.
By applying for the CARE program, you can take a significant step towards managing your energy costs and ensuring your household has access to affordable and reliable energy services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Southern California Edison today to begin your application and explore the savings available to you.
