What is MBL? 

Using medical equipment or devices may increase your total home energy usage. You may be eligible for the Medical Baseline Allowance program if you rely on life support equipment, have a life-threatening illness or health condition, or have a compromised immune system and rely on electrically powered medical equipment or devices.

What does MBL provide?

MBL provides an additional 16.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity to your home daily at the lowest baseline rate to help offset the cost of operating qualified medical devices or equipment. For non-baseline rates, Customers on a non-baseline rate receive a flat 11% discount. Customers on MBL receive advance notification of SCE’s Public Safety Power Shut-off (PSPS) events.

What is qualifying medical equipment?

A wide range of electrically powered devices that mechanically or artificially sustain life or restore or replace a vital physical function, including mobility, may qualify as medical equipment or a medical device. Devices used for therapy but not medically required for sustaining or maintaining life do not qualify. Visit sce.com/mbl to see a list of some typical qualifying equipment and devices.

Can I qualify for MBL if I am on a Time of Use (TOU rate)?

If you are on a Time of Use (TOU) rate, you are still eligible for MBL. Most TOU rates qualify for additional electricity at the baseline rate. Customers on the TOU-D PRIME rate may qualify for a flat 11% discount. For further information, you can visit sce.com or contact SCE by dialing 1-800-655-4555.

Who is eligible for the MBL Program?

You may be eligible for the Medical Baseline Allowance if you or another full-time resident in your home: 

• Requires the regular use of electrically operated medical or life support equipment to sustain, replace, or restore a vital physical function, including mobility, or 
• Has a serious medical condition requiring electrically powered medical equipment, or 
• Has a medical condition with temperature sensitivity requiring air conditioning or a life-threatening condition or compromised immune system that requires heating and/or cooling, or 
• Requires the use of an electrically powered mobility device.

Are there income requirements or restrictions? 

There are no income limits or restrictions for participation in MBL.

Is a medical professional’s signature required to enroll in MBL? 

Yes, a qualifying medical professional must complete and sign Part 2 of the initial application. This can be requested electronically if you use the online application. 

Who is a qualified medical practitioner? 

A qualified medical practitioner can include a licensed physician or medical doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), Physician Assistant (PA), or Nurse Practitioner (NP).

How do I apply for MBL?

You can apply to the Medical Baseline Allowance Program online, by mail, or with our assistance by phone. 

a. Online Application: The fastest and most convenient method is to apply online. Visit sce.com/mbl and navigate to the “Apply” tab. You will need to fully complete the online application with all requested information and can submit it directly on our website. The form will be forwarded to your medical professional for signature using the information you provide.

b. Postal Mail: You can download the form on our website, fill it out, and mail it to us at the address provided. Please provide all the requested information and get your medical professional’s signature before sending it to avoid any delays in processing.

c. Phone Assistance: If you need help during the application process or cannot use the other methods, you can call us at the number provided below, and we will guide you through the step-by-step application process and address any of your
questions. 

Applications are available in other languages, including Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog. Large print and braille applications are available upon request. Customers can also call SCE at 1-800-655-4555, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to find out if they are eligible and for assistance during the application process. 

How often must I be recertified to stay on MBL? 

All Medical Baseline Allocation applications must be periodically renewed. We will send you a form before your scheduled renewal date. The renewal frequency is based on the type of condition and the medical equipment: 

• Temporary (Non-Permanent) Conditions: Renew every two years. A medical professional will need to verify that you still require the medical equipment and the approximate duration of the non-permanent condition, as noted below 
• Permanent Conditions: Self-Certify every four years. Medical professional certification is not required to continue receiving the MBL allocation. Self-Certify renewal application can be completed via the SCE automated system, IVR; please call 1-866-229-9360.