You Might Qualify fro a Discount on your Monthly Electric Bil
Sierra Pacific Power Feature Stories
l





California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) for Permanent Primary Residential Customers

A state law allows for energy assistance to low- income customers at their permanent primary residence. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ordered the state's regulated energy utilities to design a program that gives qualifying customers a 15% discount on their electric bills. This 15% discount applies to qualified low-income residential customers who receive their energy directly from Sierra Pacific or through a sub- meter such as in a mobile home park or an apartment complex.

Who Qualifies for the Discount?

If your household qualifies for Universal Lifeline Telephone Service, you also might qualify for a discount on your electric bill under Sierra Pacific Power's California Alternative Rates for Energy.

That means your combined household income (before taxes) from all sources must be no more than the following:

Number of Persons in Household Total Combined Annual Income
1 or 2 $17,400
3 $20,500
4 $24,600
5 $28,700
6 $32,800
8 $36,900

If there are more than seven people in your household, add $4,100 for each additional person.

To find out what your total combined income is, add together the income for each person living with you. Sources of that income include, but are not limited to, the following:

How to Apply

If you think you qualify for the California Alternative Rates for Energy, please contact your local Sierra Pacific Power Company office and request an application and instructions. This can be done in person or by direct mail. Complete the application and mail it in the postage-paid envelope provided. The location of your local customer service office is printed on your monthly bill.

Remember

Only qualified customers may sign up for the program. When you fill out your application form, you will be signing a document under penalty of perjury that says you meet the qualifications. You must also provide proof of income at the time you return your completed application.

Proof of income includes, but is not limited to, copies of any of the following documents: state or federal income tax returns; if no tax return was filed, paycheck stubs, W-2 or 1099 tax forms can be used; copies of state and federal records proving income - such as military pensions, social security or AFDC records; other documents, such as bank statements, that would prove income levels.

The Department of Economic Opportunity will verify and certify all applicants' eligibility for the low- income rate. They will also notify each low-income rate applicant of the status of their application. Their phone number is printed on the application if you have any questions.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about the program, please call us at the business office telephone number printed on your monthly electric bill. Our customer service representatives will be happy to help you.

The following companies give eligible low-income customers a discount on their gas charges: Southwest Gas Corp.: 1-800-645-4541 WP Natural Gas: (530) 541-0300