Is it possible to take a few bucks off your electricity bill, and still use as much power as you need?

Southern California Edison (SCE) is a utility company that serves southern California, and SCE has created various programs for their serviced area. Residents have to apply for many of these programs, but it’s worth it because many of them cut your bills without forcing you to change your lifestyle in a big way.

Here are some of the plans that I know about. You can browse on your own on SCE’s website, especially if you are a resident serviced by them.

The Energy Savings Assistance Program

This is a program designed to provide you more energy at lower costs. The program is based on installing energy-saving fridges, air conditioning devices while offering additional household services such as weatherization, a process proven to be a great budget-saver.

Eligibility is based on several factors, including:

• Receiving electric serviced via a residential meter
• Having a viable SCE account
• Fulfilling all eligibility criteria, including installation
• Meet additional qualifications

The CARE and FERA programs  

Some households qualify for discounted rates. SCE’s CARE and FERA programs, which offer lower rates for eligible households is a great program for those who need it, especially during the hot summer months in southern California.

The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program has amazing benefits for eligible customers, offering them 30% electricity bill reduction.

Simultaneously, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program provides qualified homeowners a drop in electricity spending of 12 percent.

You can find out more and see if you qualify at SCE’s website about CARE and FERA.

More Programs

Aside from the programs that offer lower rates without lifestyle change, the SCE also offers a few other plans which can ultimately help you save more money on electricity bills if you make small adjustments to how you use electricity.

The Residential Summer Discount Plan helps SCE customers save significant money on electricity bills during those very hot summer months when the air conditioning is working overtime.

The Smart Energy Program is an event-based program for residents who are willing to use less electricity when others are using the most. In practice, a participant will get periodic notifications, e.g. on a mobile phone, during times of “peak demand.” If you choose to use less electricity on purpose during these specified times, SCE will reward by giving you credit or cutting your electricity bill.

Both of these programs described above are described as Demand Response by SCE. Take a look.

The TOU (Time Of Use) Rate Plans are good for people who naturally or are willing to adopt a schedule that is a little different from others. By default, the more a resident uses electricity, the more SCE charges. For example, for the first 100 units, SCE might charge a dime, but after the first 100, it will charge a quarter.

For some people, they will save significantly if they aren’t charged differently by volume used. Instead, SCE can charge you different rates based on time used. For example, if everyone is charging their electric vehicles right after their commute in the evening, if you don’t run your dishwasher until later in the night, SCE charges you much less.

You can learn more about time of use here.