Utility Disconnection Notification

The programs provide utility assistance to low-income customers who meet eligibility requirements in the Southern California Edison service area. Services include discounted utility services, energy conservation improvements and utility disconnection notices for older adults.

Discount Utility Programs include the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE), the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA), Energy Assistance Fund (EAF), and the Medical Baseline Program. Southern California Edison also provides a Friendly Reminder notification program.

CARE is a utility bill discount program that provides up to a 30% discount off the electricity bill of Southern California Edison customers who meet the income guidelines. CARE is an ongoing program and there is no annual re-certification requirement. However, each year customers may be randomly selected to provide proof of qualification for re-certification or to self re-certify by simply claiming that they do qualify. The program is also available for non-profit facilities such as homeless shelters, hospices and residential treatment facilities.

FERA is a utility bill discount program that provides up to a 15% discount off the electricity bill of income qualified customers with a minimum of three or more permanent residents in the household. The total household income must meet the program guidelines.

EAF/Rate Relief is a program that helps SCE income-qualified residential customers pay their electrical bills. Customers are eligible for this assistance one time in a 12-month period. Maximum assistance amounts is up to $100, based on actual amount owed. The maximum assistance amount is subject to change for each program year.

A Medical Baseline allocation may be available to persons whose primary residence requires the regular use of electrically powered life-support equipment and/or has a qualifying illness, such as quadriplegic, paraplegic, hemiplegic, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, other life-threatening illnesses, or someone with a compromised immune system (the elderly). Qualified customers may receive an extra allotment of energy at the lowest tier rate. A doctor's medical certification is required.

The Friendly Reminder Program allows a customer to designate a third party to receive notification if a bill becomes past due or service will be disconnected. The customer and third party must both sign the application form. The third party designee is not responsible for payment. Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) Program is a debt forgiveness payment plan option for residential CARE and FERA customers who have past due bills totaling $500 or greater which are at least 90 days old. The program forgives 1/12 of the eligible total past due amount in exchange for making on-time payment of your current monthly bill. After 12 on-time payments of individual monthly bills, the debt is fully forgiven (up to $8,000 per customer). Individuals must be enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program have total arrears of $500 or greater, some of which are at least 90 days old, have been a customer of SCE for at least six months and have made an on-time payment within the last 24 months that equals or exceeds the most current customer bill at the time of payment.