CARE/FERA - High Usage Verification
Do I need to complete a High Usage OR Traditional Verification?
High Usage Verification customers will have received an email or letter describing their household as “using a very high level of energy” in the first paragraph. High Usage Verification customer notifications will have either an L-1, L-2, L-3 or L-4 identification code located in the bottom right hand corner of the letter or email correspondence.
Communications sent to customers needing to complete a Traditional Verification will not contain any language that classifies their household as high usage. Traditional Verification customer notifications will have either a T-31 or T-92 identification code located in the bottom right hand corner of the letter or email correspondence.
How to Submit High Usage Verification
If you are enrolled in CARE and have been selected for High Usage Verification, please complete these steps:
- Download and review the High Usage CARE Verification Process Instructions.
- Use the Approved Document List for CARE Verification - Income Based to select which type of documentation you can supply.
- NOTE: If you choose to verify your income using the IRS Transcript option, please to the following:
- Download, complete, and submit to the IRS the following forms for each adult in the household:
IRS FORM 4506-T
IRS FORM 4506-T SAMPLE
4. Upon receipt of IRS Transcripts, prepare documents for submission.
- If submitting IRS Receipt of Non-Filing, include form with appropriate income verification.
1. Approved Document List for CARE Verification – Income Based
5. Submit all required verification documentation using one of these options:
- Print and complete this Eligibility Verification Form
Submit your printed Eligibility Verification Form and all required income verification documentation via U.S. mail or fax:
MAIL:
Southern California Edison
CARE/FERA Program
P.O. Box 9527, Azusa, CA 91702-9932
IMPORTANT: In order to continue participating in the CARE Program, the California Public Utilities Commission requires that you participate in the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program which provides energy-efficient home improvements at no cost.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why am I being asked to provide verification to participate in the CARE Program?
While we don't require you to submit proof of eligibility when you initially apply, at any time during your enrollment you may be selected to participate in the CARE Verification process. This is to ensure that those benefitting from the CARE discount meet in the income eligibility criteria.
What happens to my CARE discount while SCE is waiting for my Verification documents?
Your CARE discount will remain active until the due date specified on your CARE Verification letter or email. If we determine that you are ineligible, your discount will be suspended. Your discount may also be suspended if you submit incomplete verification documents, request to cancel or we receive your documents after the due date.
I just received a call from SCE reminding me to submit income documentation, what's next?
As a courtesy, we call you 20 days after the verification letter or email is sent as a reminder that you are required to provide income verification documents to remain enrolled in the CARE program.
How long does it take to process the paperwork I submitted?
Please allow us 30 days processing once documents are received.
I received a letter indicating I was missing information or documentation. What do I need to do?
Review your letter for the specific information of documentation needed. For best results, collect all documentation needed according to the High Usage or Tradition Process Instructions above, and submit your information online
, by U.S. Mail: CARE/FERA, Southern California Edison P.O. Box 9527 Azusa, CA 91702-9954.
My CARE discount was removed because I missed the verification due date. Can I reapply?
Yes. To re-enroll in the CARE Program, Please submit your verification documentation using any of the following methods: online, U.S, Mail: CARE/FERA, Southern California Edison PO Box 9527 Azusa, CA 91702-9954.
When is someone from the Energy Savings Assistance Program going to contact me?
If you are a High Usage customer, after your CARE income verification is completed, an Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program service provider will contact you to set up an appointment for your ESA Program Home Assessment.
Participation in the ESA Program is defined as completion of the ESA Program Home Assessment and completion of the ESA Program Inspection (if customer is selected).
Note: If you have participated in the ESA Program in the past, you will not be required to participate in this High Usage Verification process.
If you have not been contacted by an ESA Program service provider within 30 days of receipt of your CARE income verification, please contact us at 1-800-736-4777.
Failure to complete or refusing your ESA Program Home Assessment will result in automatic removal from the CARE program. However, a CARE program participant in a rental residence will not be removed from the program for failure to complete the ESA Program Home Assessment in situations where the landlord is nonresponsive when contacted by us or otherwise does not allow for ESA Program participation.
Can I reschedule if I missed my Home Assessment appointment with the Energy Savings Assistance Program?
Yes. To reschedule your home assessment appointment, please contact your assigned contractor directly. To locate your assigned contractor, click here enter your service account number or address, and click search. If you have additional questions, please contact Energy Efficiency at 1-800-736-4777.
Why do I have to provide IRS Tax Transcripts vs my Tax Returns?
Currently, utility providers require that High Usage customers provide IRS Transcripts to show a complete picture of an individual’s income. The tax transcript is a document provided by the IRS and gives the clearest picture of the total income
What is considered “High Usage?”
According to California Law, “high usage” is electricity usage exceeding 400% of the customer’s monthly baseline allowance. Your baseline allowance is determined in large part by your geographic location in Southern California. You can find your baseline allowance in the “Additional Information” section of your monthly bill.
Although CARE program participants with usage between 401% - 600% of baseline are subject to High-Usage Verification and mandatory participation in the ESA program, they are not subject to removal from the CARE program due to high usage (unless their usage exceeds 600% of their baseline allowance).
If you or someone who lives with you full-time has a medical condition that requires electricity-powered life support equipment, you may be eligible to receive additional baseline allocation.
Should I monitor and reduce my Usage?
In order to remain on the CARE program, you must reduce your monthly usage to below 600% of your baseline allowance. Failure to do so will result in automatic removal from the CARE program.
Find more ways to help reduce your usage.
I was already selected for Traditional Verification. Why am I being selected for High Usage Verification now?
Traditional Verification does not exempt you from High Usage Verification if your household exceeds 400% of your monthly baseline allowance in any 1 month.
CARE/FERA High Usage Frequently Asked Questions
CARE/FERA High Usage FAQ
According to California Law, “high usage” is electricity usage exceeding 400% of a customer’s monthly baseline allowance three times in a twelve-month period or exceeding 600% of the customer’s monthly baseline allocation at any time. Your baseline allocation is determined in large part by the location of your service address. You can find your baseline allocation in the “Additional Information” section of your monthly bill.
If you or someone who lives with you full-time has a medical condition that requires electricity-powered life support equipment, you may be eligible to receive an additional Medical Baseline Allowance allocation.
While we don't require you to submit proof of eligibility when you initially apply, at any time during your enrollment you may be selected to participate in the CARE Verification process. This is to ensure that those benefitting from the CARE discount meet the income eligibility criteria.
Traditional Verification does not exempt you from High-Usage Verification if your household is identified as high-usage.
Your CARE discount will remain active until the due date specified on your CARE Verification letter or email. If we determine that you are ineligible, your discount will be suspended. Your discount may also be suspended if you submit incomplete verification documents, request to cancel or we receive your documents after the due date.
As a courtesy, we call you 20 days after the verification letter or email is sent as a reminder that you are required to provide income verification documents to remain enrolled in the CARE program.
Currently, utility providers require that High Usage customers provide IRS Transcripts to show a complete picture of an individual’s income. The tax transcript is a document provided by the IRS and gives the clearest picture of the total income
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