Have you received a letter from SDG&E regarding high energy use and the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program discount? It’s crucial to act promptly to ensure you continue receiving this valuable benefit. The California Public Utilities Commission requires that customers receiving a CARE discount who exceed a certain energy usage threshold verify their continued eligibility. This article guides you through the necessary steps to renew your CARE program discount if you’ve received a high energy use renewal letter.
Understanding Your High Energy Use Renewal Letter
This letter indicates that your household’s energy consumption has reached a level of 400% or 600% above your baseline. To maintain your CARE discount, you must provide documentation to confirm your ongoing eligibility for the program. Failing to respond by the date specified in your letter will result in the termination of your discount.
Step 1: Provide Proof of Income for CARE Program Renewal
The primary requirement for renewing your CARE program discount in response to a high energy use letter is to provide proof of income for every adult (18 years or older) residing in your household. This verification ensures that your household income remains within the CARE income guidelines.
Important Considerations for Income Verification:
- Who Needs to Provide Proof? Every adult in your household must submit income verification.
- What Counts as Income? Income includes all forms of financial support, both cash and non-cash, such as wages, benefits, pensions, and financial assistance from family members.
- Protect Your Information: Before submitting any documents, please black out sensitive information like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers to protect your privacy.
- Tax Transcripts: While optional, you can obtain a free IRS tax transcript online at IRS.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or by calling 1-800-908-9946 (option 2).
Acceptable Documents for Income Verification:
The table below outlines the required documents based on the source of income. Please note that additional documentation may be requested if necessary.
| Type of Income | Required Documents (Additional documents may be requested) |
|---|---|
| Wages, salary, tips, commissions | Two consecutive paycheck stubs OR Written affidavit from employer for cash wages AND Two recent consecutive bank statements. |
| SSI, SSP, SSA, SSDI, pensions and annuities, workers compensation, unemployment benefits, foster care, veterans benefits | Benefit/award letter AND Two recent consecutive bank statements showing the deposits. |
| Family or Monetary Support | Letter from person(s) providing support, including name, address, phone number, signature, and monthly or annual amount of support AND Two recent consecutive bank statements showing the amount(s). |
| School grants, scholarships, or other aid | Benefit/award letter OR Two recent consecutive paycheck stubs. |
| Zero income or non-filing | IRS Transcript of Tax Return indicating non-filing status for every adult household member AND Two recent consecutive bank statements. |
Step 2: Complete the Income Validation Form
In addition to providing income documentation, you must also fill out the income validation form. You can access this form online: validation form. Ensure you complete all sections of the form accurately.
Submitting Your Renewal Documents
Once you have gathered your income verification documents and completed the income validation form, you can submit them using one of the following methods:
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Fax: Fax your documents to 1-858-636-5749.
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Mail: Send your documents via mail to:
SDG&E CARE P.O. Box 129831 San Diego, CA 92112-9985
Maintain Energy Usage Awareness
It’s important to note that to continue receiving the CARE discount, you must maintain your energy consumption below 600% of your baseline. Exceeding this threshold may require further action to keep your discount active.
Act Now to Renew Your CARE Program Discount
Responding to the high energy use renewal letter promptly and providing the necessary documentation is essential to ensure uninterrupted CARE program benefits. Gather your documents, complete the form, and submit them before the deadline specified in your letter to renew your CARE program discount.
