Southern California Edison funds the Charge Ready Home Program — approved by state regulators — to help homes get ready for electric vehicles and modern electrical demand. Older homes often have panels under 200 amps that can't safely support an EV charger, so SCE covers part or all of the upgrade cost for qualifying households.
The program pays qualifying households up to $4,200 toward the cost of the upgrade itself.
Income-qualified households (or those on programs like CARE, Medi-Cal, or SNAP) can get up to $4,200. Homes in designated communities can get up to $2,100.
Once you're matched with a licensed installer, they handle the permit, install, and documentation SCE requires — you don't have to navigate it alone.
If you qualify, here's what the upgrade covers:
Full upgrade from your current panel to a modern 200-amp panel.
Installed near your parking spot, ready for an EV charger.
Permitted, inspected, and installed by a licensed, insured team — not a subcontracted stranger.
Two paths: (1) your household income is under 80% of the area median, or you're enrolled in a program like CARE, FERA, Medi-Cal, CalFresh/SNAP, SSI, WIC, LIHEAP, or CalWORKs — this path can get up to $4,200. Or (2) your home is located in a designated disadvantaged community — this path can get up to $2,100, regardless of income. Your current panel also needs to be under 200 amps.
Yes, renters can qualify, but the property owner needs to sign off on the work since it's a permanent electrical upgrade to the home. We can help you get that approval.
No. The rebate program itself is administered by Southern California Edison. This page is an independent eligibility-screening tool — it is not operated by SCE, and SCE does not endorse any specific contractor. Once you submit your information, a licensed local electrical contractor will reach out to confirm your eligibility and, if you choose to move forward, complete the installation.
Checking your eligibility is free with no obligation. If you qualify and choose to move forward, the rebate is applied toward the cost of the upgrade — the installer will walk you through exactly what, if anything, is out of pocket before any work begins.
Most panel upgrades take about 6–8 hours of on-site work once permitted. Timeline to get started depends on permitting in your city and program approval.
Southern California has more than one electric utility. This page is built around SCE's Charge Ready Home Program, which offers up to $4,200. If you're in the LADWP service area instead, they run a separate, smaller rebate program — enter your zip code in the quiz and we'll tell you which program applies to you and what you may qualify for.