If you’ve received a letter from the Sdge.com Care Program regarding high energy use and the renewal of your discount, it’s important to understand what this means and the steps you need to take. This communication is triggered by regulations from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) designed to ensure the CARE program benefits those who need it most. This article will guide you through understanding the requirements and completing your renewal process smoothly.
The CPUC mandates that customers receiving a bill discount through programs like CARE, who demonstrate energy consumption significantly above average, must verify their continued eligibility. Specifically, if your household energy use reaches 400% or even 600% above your established baseline, SDGE needs to confirm that you still meet the CARE program’s income guidelines. This verification process ensures that the program effectively supports eligible, lower-income households, even if their energy needs are higher.
If your energy usage has reached this threshold, you would have received a “high energy use renewal letter.” This letter is not a termination of your discount but a request for updated information to confirm your ongoing eligibility. To maintain your CARE discount, you must respond to this letter by the date specified and provide the necessary documentation. Failure to do so will unfortunately result in the discontinuation of your CARE program discount.
To renew your discount after receiving a high energy use letter, you will need to complete the following two essential steps:
Step 1: Provide Proof of Income for Every Adult in Your Household
The core of the renewal process is verifying that your household income still falls within the CARE program guidelines. You must provide proof of income for every adult (18 years or older) residing in your home. It is crucial to understand that “income” encompasses all forms of financial support, both cash and non-cash, including benefits and subsidies received by anyone in your household.
To verify your income, you need to select one of the required document types listed below that corresponds to your income source. For security purposes, please remember to black out any Social Security numbers or bank account numbers on all copies of documents you provide. While providing a tax transcript is optional, it can be used as proof of non-filing if applicable. You can obtain a free IRS tax transcript at IRS.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or by calling 1-800-908-9946 (option 2).
| 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 are required to fill out the official income validation form provided by SDGE. This form likely accompanies the letter you received or can be downloaded from the SDGE website. Ensure you complete all sections of the form accurately and truthfully. This form helps SDGE collect all necessary information in a standardized format to process your renewal efficiently.
It’s also important to be aware that to maintain your CARE discount going forward, you’ll need to manage your energy consumption to stay below the 600% baseline threshold. Consistently exceeding this level in the future might require further action to keep your discount active.
Once you have gathered your income verification documents and completed the income validation form, you need to submit them to SDGE. You can choose one of the following methods for submission:
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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
By promptly providing the required income verification and submitting your income validation form, you can ensure the continued benefits of the SDGE CARE program and maintain your bill discount. If you have any questions or require further clarification, it’s best to contact SDGE directly through their customer service channels for personalized assistance.
