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
- Download, complete, and submit to the IRS the following forms for each adult in the household:
Upon receipt of IRS Transcripts, prepare documents for submission.
If submitting IRS Receipt of Non-Filing, include form with appropriate income verification.
Approved Document List for CARE Verification – Income Based- 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.
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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