Are you looking for ways to reduce your electricity and natural gas bills in Southern California? The Sce Care Program Discount offers significant savings for eligible low-income customers. Administered by Southern California Edison (SCE), this program can lower your monthly expenses, making energy more affordable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the SCE CARE program and how to access these valuable discounts.
Understanding the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state-mandated initiative designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs. It provides a substantial discount on both electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re an SCE customer and meet the eligibility requirements, you could benefit from this program and significantly reduce your energy expenses.
Who is Eligible for the SCE CARE Program Discount?
Eligibility for the SCE CARE program is primarily based on household income. You may qualify if your total household income falls at or below the income limits outlined below. These limits are updated annually, and the current guidelines are 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 |
Beyond income, you are also automatically eligible for the SCE CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 very likely to qualify for the SCE CARE program discount.
How Much Discount Can You Get with the SCE CARE Program from SCE?
Customers enrolled in the CARE program receive a significant discount on their utility bills. For Southern California Edison, this translates to:
- 30-35% discount on your electric bill
- 20% discount on your natural gas bill
These discounts can substantially lower your monthly energy costs, providing much-needed financial relief.
How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program with SCE
Applying for the SCE CARE program discount is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is through the Southern California Edison website. You can visit their dedicated CARE program page to access the application form and find detailed instructions.
You can also request an application form by contacting SCE directly via phone. Their customer service representatives can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Exploring Other Energy Assistance Programs: FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for another discount program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill and is available to SCE customers, as well as customers of San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 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 income falls within these ranges, contact SCE to inquire about the FERA program and how to apply.
Contact Southern California Edison for More Information
For complete details on the SCE CARE program discount, FERA, and other assistance programs, it’s best to contact Southern California Edison directly.
You can reach them through their website or by phone:
- Website: https://www.sce.com/
- Emergency Payment Assistance: 866-675-6623
Don’t miss out on potential savings. Check your eligibility today and take advantage of the SCE CARE program discount to lower your energy bills.
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
