SCE Lowers Bills

Southern California Edison Reaches Out to Customers to Help Lower Their Bills



In these tough economic times, Southern California Edison (SCE) customers may be eligible for programs that can reduce their utility bills by 20 percent or more.

The number of customers who enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, for example, increased 100 percent in January 2009. The average monthly enrollment for 2008 was 6,700 customers; in January, 12,718 customers enrolled. This increase is attributed to stronger outreach efforts and a growing need for economic assistance.
    “We know it’s especially difficult for the newly unemployed who may not know where to turn,” said Linda Yamauchi, SCE’s Consumer Affairs manager. “We want people to know that we’re here for them and that we have programs and services that can help.”

 

SCE offers the following programs for income-qualified customers:

 
·         CARE provides a discount of 20 percent or more off a monthly electric bill.

 

·         FERA, the Family Electric Rate Assistance program, allows a discounted rate on the monthly bill for families of three or more who fall within the income guidelines and exceed their baseline usage by 30 percent or more.

 

·         EMA, the Energy Management Assistance program, helps income-qualified households conserve energy and reduce their electricity costs. SCE supplies and installs energy-efficient appliances and equipment at no cost to eligible customers. EMA services are available to homeowners and renters.

 

To learn more about these programs and other ways SCE helps customers keep current on their bills, such as payment arrangements and assistance plans, please visit www.sce.com/assistance or call  1 -800-447-6620.