subject: supplemental filing -- modification of customer ... · subject: supplemental filing --...
TRANSCRIPT
Lee Schavrien Director
Regulatory Case Management and Tariff Administration
101 Ash Street
San Diego, CA 92101-3017
Tel: 619.696.4050 Pager: 800.456.9141
Fax: 619.696.4027
May 11, 2001 Advice No. 3003-A (U 904 G) Public Utilities Commission of the State of California Subject: Supplemental Filing -- Modification of Customer Application Form for
California Alternate Rates for Energy Program Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) hereby submits revisions to SoCalGas Form 6491-D, its customer application form for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, incorporated herein as Attachment B. Purpose This supplemental filing is being made at the request of the Commission’s Energy Division staff in order to revise Advice No. 3003, dated March 16, 2001, to include a self mailer CARE application form in addition to SoCalGas’ automated Customer Information System CARE application, incorporated herein as Attachment C. This self mailer CARE application form will include return paid postage and be used for outreach efforts with community-based organizations. This supplemental advice letter replaces Advice No. 3003 in its entirety. This advice filing is in compliance with the California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) Decision (D.) 00-09-036, Ordering Paragraph (OP) 6, issued on September 7, 2000 which directed the utilities to jointly develop a more standardized CARE application form. Background In D.00-09-036, the Commission directed Pacific Gas and Electric Company, SoCalGas, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (collectively, the Utilities) to develop CARE application forms that request the same types and categories of information from all customers applying for the CARE program. The Utilities were directed to jointly develop such forms with public input and file proposed revisions in an Advice Letter filing by March 1, 2001. On February 28, 2001, the Commission approved an extension to the filing date until March 16, 2001.
Advice No. 3003-A - 2 - May 11, 2001
The Utilities held two public input forums to provide interested parties a venue to comment and offer suggestions regarding the data requested on their respective CARE applications. The first public input meeting was held on February 13, 2001, in Downey, and the second on February 14, 2001, in San Francisco. These meetings were scheduled to facilitate attendance by locating one meeting in southern California and the other in northern California. Toll-free call-in numbers were provided for interested parties who were unable to travel to the meeting sites. The list of participants for these workshops is provided in Attachment D. The Utilities’ respective CARE applications, while different in format, have generally asked the same information of applicants. Differences in application formats occurred due to differing business constraints of each utility and the fact that the Utilities have not been required to achieve more uniformity in their application forms in the past. For example, two of the utilities are required to enclose a CARE application in the billing envelope annually. This requirement constrains the size and format of the application. Public Input Process The public attendees, Commission and utility representatives offered a variety of suggestions aimed at improving the CARE application forms during the public input meetings. Some comments and suggestions were diametrically opposed to other comments and suggestions provided by those in attendance. In some cases, substantial discussion helped parties reach a consensus on issues. Some issues were unable to be resolved and may be addressed at a later date. Attachment E lists public comments and subsequent discussions from the two public meetings. It also lists items that the Utilities were able to incorporate into their CARE applications at this time, as well as those suggestions that will be kept for analysis and possible implementation in the future. Consensus Issues After considering the public input and comments, the Utilities determined that the following changes are appropriate for immediate standardization on their respective CARE applications: • Personal Information: Each utility’s CARE application form will request the
following customer information:1
° Customer Name ° Service address ° Utility Account Number ° Telephone Number (with the option of requesting “home” and “work” numbers) ° Total annual household income ° Number of persons in household, broken down by the categories of “Adults,”
“Children,” and “Total.”
1 Utilities with the capability of providing computer-generated applications will have the flexibility to
include the Customer Name, Service Address, and Account Number as pre-printed items on the form.
Advice No. 3003-A - 3 - May 11, 2001
• Types and Sources of Income: A list of the types and sources of income that applicants can use to calculate their annual income to determine their eligibility for CARE will be included on each utility’s CARE application in the following order and format:
° Wages or Salaries ° Disability Payments ° TANF (AFDC) ° Interest or Dividends from: ° Workers Compensation ° Food Stamps
° Savings Accounts, ° Social Security, SSI, SSP ° Child Support ° Stocks or Bonds, or ° Pensions ° Cash and/or ° Retirement Accounts ° Insurance Settlements Other Income
° Unemployment Benefits ° Legal Settlements ° Spousal Support ° Rental or Royalty Income ° Scholarships, Grants, or Other Aid Used for Living Expenses ° Profit from Self-Employment (IRS Form 1040, Schedule C, line 29)
• Income Qualifications: Each utility will list the income qualifications per household
size in a table with the following format:2
MAXIMUM HOUSEHOLD INCOME Number of Persons
in Household Total Combined Annual
Income 1 or 2 $XX,XXX
3 $XX,XXX 4 $XX,XXX 5 $XX,XXX
Add $X,XXX for each additional person.
• Declaration and Self-Certification Statement: The following declaration and self-certification statement of eligibility and signature block will be printed on each utility’s CARE application in the following manner:
“I state that the information I have provided in this application is true and correct. I agree to provide proof of income, if asked. I agree to inform SoCalGas if I no longer qualify to receive the discount. I understand that if I receive the discount without qualifying for it, I may be required to pay back the discount I received. I understand that SoCalGas can share my information with other utilities or their agents to enroll me in their assistance programs.” __________________________________________________ Customer Signature Date
• Other Assistance Information: Each utility will print the title and LIHEAP referral
statement that will read as follows:
Other programs and services you may qualify for: LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Provides bill
2 Pursuant to Resolution E-3524, the CARE income qualification guidelines are updated annually. The
new income guidelines for 2001 will be inserted into the Maximum Household Income table upon receipt from the Commission’s Energy Division.
Advice No. 3003-A - 4 - May 11, 2001
payment assistance, emergency bill assistance and weatherization services. Call the Department of Community Services and Development at 1-800-433-4327 for more information.”
Each utility will have the discretion to list other utility services for which customers may be eligible. This flexibility allows each utility to list additional services available to customers within the format and space limitations of the Utility.
Specific Modifications To SoCalGas’ CARE Application Form SoCalGas has incorporated changes to its CARE application, Form 6491, to reflect the consensus issues discussed above and has included specific modifications as listed below. The revised application form is included as Attachment B.
• Household Size and Annual Income: SoCalGas was able to incorporate two separate questions, regarding the number of persons and income for the household, into one question. As a result of standardizing the Income Qualifications section and including the table as shown above, the revised question #1 will now read as follows:
1. Check the total number of persons in your household and the total
yearly household income for all persons in your household from all sources:
• Clarification Change: In order to provide clarification for customers, SoCalGas
is including a title over the section which lists telephone numbers to call for information in other languages. The title will read as follows:
For information in other languages, call:
Effect On Service No cost information is required for this advice filing. This advice filing will not increase any rate or charge, cause the withdrawal of service, or conflict with any other schedule or rule. Protest Anyone may protest this advice letter to the California Public Utilities Commission. The protest must state the grounds upon which it is based, including such items as financial and service impact, and should be submitted expeditiously. The protest must be made in writing and received within 20 days of the date this advice letter was filed with the Commission. There is no restriction on who may file a protest. The address for mailing or delivering a protest to the Commission is:
Energy Division - IMC Branch California Public Utilities Commission 505 Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94102
Advice No. 3003-A - 5 - May 11, 2001
It is also requested that a copy of the protest be sent via electronic mail and facsimile to SoCalGas on the same date it is mailed or delivered to the Commission (at the addresses shown below).
Attn: Sid Newsom Regulatory Tariff Administration - GT14D6 555 West Fifth Street Los Angeles, CA 90013-1011 Facsimile No. (213) 244-4957 E-Mail: [email protected]
Attn: C. Richard Swanson Regulatory Tariff Manager - HQ14D 101 Ash Street San Diego, CA 92101-3017 Facsimile No. (619) 696-4027 E-Mail: [email protected]
Effective Date SoCalGas respectfully requests that this supplemental filing shall become effective on the date the Energy Division staff sends a letter to SoCalGas notifying SoCalGas that the filing has been reviewed and approved, but no later than May 21, 2001. Notice In accordance with Section III.G of General Order No. 96-A, a copy of this advice letter is being sent to the parties listed on Attachment A which includes the interested parties in R.98-07-037.
_________________________________ LEE SCHAVRIEN
Director -- Regulatory Case Management and Tariff Administration
Attachments
ATTACHMENT A
Advice No. 3003-A
(See Attached Service Lists)
AFBCA/DB March3430 Bundy Ave., Bldg. 3408March AFC, CA 92518-1504
ACN EnergyCharles [email protected]
ACN EnergyHans [email protected]
ACN EnergyMark [email protected]
ACN EnergyTony [email protected]
Aglet Consumer AllianceJames [email protected]
Alcantar & ElsesserKari [email protected]
Alcantar & ElsesserPhil Vizcarra1 Embarcadero Center, #2420San Francisco, CA 94111
Aquila EnergyCindi [email protected]
Arter & HaddenDan [email protected]
BC Gas Utility Ltd.Gas Purchasing1111 West Georgia StreetVancouver, British ColumbiaCanada V6E 4M4
BP Amoco, Reg. AffairsMarianne JonesWL 14.328501 West Lake Park Blvd.Houston, TX 77079
Barkovich & YapCatherine E. [email protected]
Berliner, Camdon & JimisonJohn [email protected]
Beta ConsultingJohn [email protected]
CPUCConsumer Affairs Branch505 Van Ness Ave., #2003San Francisco, CA 94102
CPUCEnergy Rate Design & Econ.505 Van Ness Ave., Rm. 4002San Francisco, CA 94102
CSC EnergyJulie [email protected]
CSC EnergyRon [email protected]
CSC EnergyStacy [email protected]
Calpine CorpAvis [email protected]
City of AnaheimBen Nakayama, Resource PlannerPublic Utilities Dept.P. O. Box 3222Anaheim, CA 92803
City of AzusaLight & Power Dept.215 E. Foothill Blvd.Azusa, CA 91702
City of BanningPaul ToorElectric Utilities DirectorP. O. Box 998Banning, CA 92220
City of BurbankFred Fletcher/Ronald Davis164 West Magnolia Blvd., Box 631Burbank, CA 91503-0631
City of ColtonThomas K. ClarkeElectric Utility Director650 N. La Cadena DriveColton, CA 92324
City of GlendaleLarry [email protected]
City of LompocH. Paul Jones100 Civic Center PlazaLompoc, CA 93438
City of Long Beach, Gas Dept.Chris Garner2400 East Spring StreetLong Beach, CA 90806-2385
City of Los AngelesCity Attorney1700 City Hall EastLos Angeles, CA 90012
Case Id: T-ADVICE Case Description: Advice Letter Distribution List Page: 1
City of PasadenaManuel A. Robledo150 S. Los Robles Ave., #200Pasadena, CA 91101
City of RiversideStephen [email protected]
City of VernonKenneth J. [email protected]
Coral EnergyWalter [email protected]
County of Los AngelesOtto RadtkeISD/Energy Mgmt. Div.1100 Northeastern Ave., Rm. 101Los Angeles, CA 90063
Crossborder EnergyTom Beachtomb@crossborderenergy
Davis Wright Tremaine, LLPEdward W. O'NeillOne Embarcadero Center, #600San Francisco, CA 94111-3834
Davis, Wright, TremaineJudy [email protected]
Dir., Public Utility Services Div.Public Bldgs. Serv., Rm. 7325General Services Administration18th and F Streets, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20405
Downey BrandAnn [email protected]
Downey BrandPhil [email protected]
DynegyJoseph M. [email protected]
Edison SourceUsha Kondragunta955 Overland Ct.San Dimas, CA 91773-1718
Edson & Modisette
925 L Street, Ste 1490Sacramento, CA 95814
El Paso Natural Gas CompanyRichard O. BaishP. O. Box 1492El Paso, TX 79978
Energy Law Group, LLPAndrew [email protected]
Energy Law Group, LLPDiane [email protected]
Enserch Gas Marketing, Inc.Cathy Hawes353 Sacramento, St., Suite 400San Francisco, CA 94111
General Services AdministrationFacilities Management (9PM-FT)450 Golden Gate Ave.San Francisco, CA 94102-3611
Goodin, MacBride, SqueriJ. H. [email protected]
Goodin, MacBride, SqueriJames D. [email protected]
Imperial Irrigation DistrictK. S. Noller, Asst. Gen Mgr., PowerP. O. Box 937Imperial, CA 92251
JBS EnergyJeff [email protected]
Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro
One Sansome Street, 12th FloorSan Francisco, CA 94104-4430
Jones, Day, Reavis, & PogueNorman A. Pedersen, Esq.555 West 5th Street, #4600Los Angeles, CA 90013-1025
LADWPNevenka [email protected]
LADWPRandy HowardP. O. Box 51111, Rm. 956Los Angeles, CA 90051-0100
Law Offices of William H. BoothWilliam [email protected]
LeBoeuf, Lamb, GreeneChristopher [email protected]
Luce, ForwardJohn [email protected]
Case Id: T-ADVICE Case Description: Advice Letter Distribution List Page: 2
MRW & AssociatesRobert [email protected]
Matthew Brady & AssociatesMatthew [email protected]
National Utility Service, Inc.Jim BoyleOne Maynard Drive, P. O. Box 712Park Ridge, NJ 07656-0712
Navigant ConsultingKatie [email protected]
Office of Energy AssessmentsBill [email protected]
Pacific Gas & Electric Co.John ClarkeRegulatory R77 Beale, B30A B10CSan Francisco, CA 94105
Questar Southern TrailsLenard [email protected]
Regulatory & Cogen Services, Inc.Donald W. Schoenbeck900 Washington Street, #1000Vancouver, WA 98660
Richard Hairston & Co.Richard [email protected]
SCANA EnergyRandy [email protected]
SCEColin E. [email protected]
SCEJohn [email protected]
SCEKevin [email protected]
SCESharon [email protected]
Sempra SolutionsMarie [email protected]
Southern California Edison CoFileroom Supervisor2244 Walnut Grove Ave.Room 290, GO1Rosemead, CA 91770
Southern California Edison CoKaryn Gansecki601 Van Ness Ave., #2040San Francisco, CA 94102
Southern California Edison Co.Peter S. GoeddelP. O. Box 800Rosemead, CA 91770
Southwest Gas Corp.Edward ZubP. O. Box 98510Las Vegas, NV 89193-8510
Suburban Water SystemBob Kelly, Manager, Reg. Affairs1211 E. Center Court DriveCovina, CA 91724
Sutherland, Asbill & BrennanKeith [email protected]
TURNMarcel [email protected]
TURNMike [email protected]
Vandenberg AFBKen [email protected]
Western Division, Naval FacilitiesEngineering Code 1642900 Commodore Dr.San Bruno, CA 94066-2402
White & CaseRegulatory [email protected]
Case Id: T-ADVICE Case Description: Advice Letter Distribution List Page: 3
RICHARD ESTEVES SESCO, INC. 77 YACHT CLUB DRIVE LAKE FOREST, NJ 7849
KEITH R. MCCREA SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP 1275 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 800 WASHINGTON, DC 20004-2415
KAY DAVOODI NAVY RATE INTERVENTION OFFICE 1314 HARWOOD STREET SE WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DC 20374-5018
A BRUBAKER BRUBAKER & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1215 FERN RIDGE PARKWAY, SUITE 208 ST. LOUIS, MO 63141
BILL PASCARELLA APS ENERGY SERVICES CO., INC. PO BOX 53901, MS 8103 PHOENIX, AZ 85072-3901
JEFF SCHLEGEL 1167 SAMALAYUCA DRIVE TUCSON, AZ 85704-3224
DONNA JONES-MOORE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY 555 W. FIFTH STREET-ML GT28A4 LOS ANGELES, CA 90013-1011
FRANK A. SPASARO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY 555 WEST FIFTH STREET, ML-22E2 LOS ANGELES, CA 90013-1011
NORMAN A. PEDERSEN JONES, DAY, REAVIS & POGUE 555 WEST FIFTH STREET, SUITE 4600 LOS ANGELES, CA 90013-1025
MICHAEL YAMADA CITY OF L.A. DEPT OF WATER AND POWER PO BOX 111 LOS ANGELES, CA 90051
TIM KRAUSE PO BOX 519 CYPRESS, CA 90630
WALLIS J. WINEGARD WINEGARD ENERGY 1755 HUNTINGTON DR STE 201 DUARTE, CA 91010-2567
RICHARD SHAW CHASE SHANNON PO BOX 469 FILLMORE, CA 91305
DANIEL W. DOUGLASS ARTER & HADDEN LLP 5959 TOPANGA CANYON BLVD., STE 244 WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367
LAURA A. LARKS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY 2244 WALNUT GROVE AVENUE ROSEMEAD, CA 91770
JON S. SILVA EDISON SOURCE 955 OVERLAND COURT SAN DIMAS, CA 91773
A. Y. AHMED OCCIDENTAL ANALYTICAL GROUP 1313 N GRAND AVENUE, STE 392 WALNUT, CA 91789
DON WOOD SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC 4539 LEE AVENUE LA MESA, CA 91941
RICHARD SPERBERG ONSITE/SYCOM 701 PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD RM 200 CARLSBAD, CA 92009
BRUCE PATTON RANCHO VALLEY BUILDERS, INC. 647 AERO WAY ESCONDIDO, CA 92029
ROBERT F. MANIFOLD AARP 6993 VIA VALVERDE LA JOLLA, CA 92037
DENIS TURNER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIBAL CHAIRMEN PO BOX 1470 VALLEY CENTER, CA 92082
LYNN G. VAN WAGENEN SEMPRA ENERGY 101 ASH STREET SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
ALESSANDRA M. MESSINEO LONG SEMPRA ENERGY 101 ASH STREET, HQ12 SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-3017
JAMES F. WALSH SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY PO BOX 1831 SAN DIEGO, CA 92112
YOLE WHITING SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC CO. 8306 CENTURY PARK COURT SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
CHARLES J HAHN 611 ANTON BLVD SUITE 700 COSTA MESA, CA 92626
DENNIS DOBKOWSKI RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY 19896 FELICIA DRIVE YORBA LINDA, CA 92886
LEE RIGGAN VENTURA COUNTY COMMISSION ON 621 RICHMOND AVENUE OXNARD, CA 93030
RON KNECHT ADVOCATES FOR THE PUBLIC INTEREST (API) 1465 MARLBOROUGH AVENUE LOS ALTOS, CA 94024-5742
NORMAN J. FURUTA DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 900 COMMODORE DRIVE SAN BRUNO, CA 94066-5006
WILLIAM F. PARKER BAY AREA POVERTY RESOURCE COUNCIL 930 BRITTAN AVENUE SAN CARLOS, CA 94070
BOB FINKELSTEIN THE UTILITY REFORM NETWORK 711 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 350 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102
REGINA COSTA THE UTILITY REFORM NETWORK 711 VAN NESS AVENUE, SUITE 350 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102
James E. Scarff CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 5121 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
LESLIE ABRAMS THE GREENLINING INSTITUTE 785 MARKET ST., 3RD FLOOR SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
LUIS ARTEAGA LATINO ISSUES FORUM 785 MARKET ST., 3RD FL. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
SUSAN E. BROWN LATINO ISSUES FORUM 785 MARKET STREET, 3RD FLOOR SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103-2003
EVELYN KAHL ALCANTAR & KAHL, LLP 120 MONTGOMERY STREET, SUITE 2200 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104
THOMAS J. O'ROURKE O'ROUKE & COMPANY 44 MONTGOMERY STREET, RM 1705 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104
IRENE K. MOOSEN GRUENEICH RESOURCE ADVOCATES 582 MARKET STREET, SUITE 1020 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104-5305
SHERYL CARTER NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL 71 STEVENSON STREET, SUITE 1825 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
ROBERT B. MCLENNAN PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY POST OFFICE BOX 7442 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94120
SARA STECK MYERS 122 28TH AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121
ROBERTO HARO SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY 1600 HOLLOWAY AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132
RENEE H. GUILD ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE 3412 HILLVIEW AVENUE PALO ALTO, CA 94304-1395
ROXANNE FIGUEROA RICHARD HEATH AND ASSOCIATES, INC. 1420 HARBOR BAY PKWY STE 145 ALAMEDA, CA 94502-7088
MICHAEL ROCHMAN SPURR 1430 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 240 CONCORD, CA 94520
ROBERT MOWRIS ROBERT MOWRIS & ASSOCIATES 10 RIDGE LANE ORINDA, CA 94563
WILLIAM H. BOOTH LAW OFFICES OF WILLIAM H. BOOTH 1500 NEWELL AVENUE, SUITE 500 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596
STANLEY I. ANDERSON POWER VALUE INCORPORATED 964 MOJAVE CT WALNUT CREEK, CA 94598
DAN KIRSHNER ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND 5655 COLLEGE AVE., SUITE 304 OAKLAND, CA 94618
DONALD W. AITKEN, PH.D. UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS 2397 SHARTUCK AVENUE, SUITE 203 BERKELEY, CA 94704
CARL BLUMSTEIN UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY 2539 CHANNING WAY BERKELEY, CA 94720
BARBARA R. BARKOVICH BARKOVICH AND YAP, INC. 32 EUCALYPTUS LANE SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901
EDWARD B. LOZOWICKI COUDERT BROTHERS 303 ALMADEN BLVD, FIFTH FLOOR SAN JOSE, CA 95110-2721
RITA NORTON CITY OF SAN JOSE 777 N. 1ST STREET SAN JOSE, CA 95112
EILEEN A. KOCH CALPINE CORPORATION 50 W. SAN FERNANDO ST. SAN JOSE, CA 95113
ANDREW SKAFF ALPINE NATURAL GAS OPERATING COMPANY 2453 GRAND CANAL BLVD. STOCKTON, CA 95207
RAY CZAHAR 5650 GRAVENSTEIN HIGHWAY-RTE 116 NORTH FORESTVILLE, CA 95436
MARK J. BERMAN DAVIS ENERGY GROUP 123 C STREET DAVIS, CA 95616
RAYMOND J. CZAHAR WEST COAST GAS CO., INC. 10157 MISSILE WAY MATHER, CA 95655
PHILIP M. VERMEULEN 3457 CASTLE CREEK CT. ROSEVILLE, CA 95661-7354
CAROLYN A. BAKER DUKE ENERGY NORTH AMERICA 980 NINTH STREET, 16TH FLOOR SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
DOUG GRANDY OFFICE OF ENERGY ASSESSMENTS 717 K STREET, SUITE 409 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
EMILIO E. VARANINI, I I I LIVINGSTON & MATTESICH 1201 K STREET, STE 1100 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
ERIC WONG CATERPILLAR, INC. 980 NINTH STREET, STE 2200 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
ROBERT E. BURT INSULATION CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION 1911 F STREET SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
KEVIN SMITH CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION 980 9TH STREET, STE 2200 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814-2742
LYNN M. HAUG ELLISON & SCHNEIDER 2015 H STREET SACRAMENTO, CA 95814-3109
JENNIFER TACHERA CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 NINTH STREET, MS-14 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814-5504
GLYNNIS JONES APPLIANCE RECYCLING CNTRS OF AMERICA PO BOX 163125 SACRAMENTO, CA 95816
JOY OMANIA CALIFORNIA/NEVADA COMMUNITY 225 30TH STREET, SUITE 200 SACRAMENTO, CA 95816
CHRISTOPHER S. TAYLOR CALIFORNIA/NEVADA COMMUNITY 225 30TH STREET SUITE 200 SACRAMENTO, CA 95816-3359
JAMES HODGES 4720 BRAND WAY SACRAMENTO, CA 95819
JAMES HODGES 4720 BRAND WAY SACRAMENTO, CA 95819
NEAL A. JOHNSON CALIFORNIA INTEGRATED WASTE MGMT BOARD 8800 CAL CENTER DRIVE SACRAMENTO, CA 95826-3268
KAREN MILLS CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION 2300 RIVER PLAZA DRIVE SACRAMENTO, CA 95833
RONALD LIEBERT CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION 2300 RIVER PLAZA DRIVE SACRAMENTO, CA 95833
BRYAN GRIESS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL 3100 ZINFANDEL DRIVE, SUITE 600 SACRAMENTO, CA 95852-1516
DANA S. APPLING SACRAMENTO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT PO BOX 15830 SACRAMENTO, CA 95852-1830
MICHAEL ALCANTAR ALCANTAR & KAHL LLP 1300 SW 5TH AVENUE., SUITE 1750 PORTLAND, OR 97201
LINDA WILLIAMS UTILITY REFORM PROJECT 10266 S.W. LANCASTER ROAD PORTLAND, OR 97219
DANIEL W. MEEK 10949 S.W. 4TH AVENUE PORTLAND, OR 97219-7715
CARL ROBERT ARON ITRON, INC. 2818 N. SULLIVAN ROAD SPOKANE, WA 99216
NANCY BROCKWAY NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER, INC. 18 TREMON STREET, SUITE 400 BOSTON, MA 2108
Maria E. Stevens CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 320 WEST 4TH STREET SUITE 500 LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
HENRY KNAWLS COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES 3175 WEST 6TH STREET RM 200 LOS ANGELES, CA 90020
IVY WALKER CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102
JOHN GALLOWAY CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVE, AREA 4-A SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102
Anthony Fest CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 4205 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Barbara A. Morton CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE AREA 4-A SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Darwin Farrar CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 5039 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
David E. Morse CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 4102 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Helen W. Yee CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 5031 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Jay Morse CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 4101 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Jonathan P. Tom CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 4209 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Josie Webb CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 4209 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Judith Ikle CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE AREA 4-A SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Julie A Fitch CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE AREA 4-A SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Meg Gottstein CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 5044 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Ourania M. Vlahos CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 5125 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Robert C. Cagen CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 5124 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Stephen J. Rutledge CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE AREA 4-A SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Thomas W. Thompson CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE ROOM 4209 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Valerie Beck CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE AREA 4-A SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
Zaida Amaya-Pineda CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE AREA 4-A SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3214
MEG GOTTSTEIN PO BOX 210 VOLCANO, CA 95689
DAVID ABELSON CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 9TH STREET, MS-14 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
DAVID HUNGERFORD CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 NINTH STREET, MS-22 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
Don Schultz CALIF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 770 L STREET, SUITE 1050 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
JOHN P. ROZSA STATE CAPITOL, ROOM 408 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
MICHAEL MESSENGER CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 9TH STREET, MS-22 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
RODERICK A. CAMPBELL CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 770 L STREET, STE 1050 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
TIM TUTT CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 9TH STREET, MS-45 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
TIMOTHY M. DAYONOT DEPT. OF COMMUNITY SERVICES AND DEV. 700 NORTH TENTH STREET RM 258 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814-0338
ULLA MAIJA WAIT STATE OF CALIFORNIA 700 NORTH 10TH ST., ROOM 258 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814-0338
BRUCE CENICEROS CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 9TH STREET, MS-42 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814-5512
MONICA RUDMAN CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 9TH STREET, MS-42 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814-5512
ATTACHMENT B
Advice No. 3003-A
REVISED CARE APPLICATION
ATTACHMENT B DATE: __ __ - __ __ - __ __
Account Number: __ __ __ - __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ Source Code: _________
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Application
+ �� Check the total number of persons in your household and the total yearly household income for all persons in your household from all sources:
MAXIMUM HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS AND INCOME
Number of Persons Total Combined
In Household Annual Income
a. 1 or 2 a. $18,800
b. 3 b. $22,200
c. 4 c. $26,700
d. 5 d. $31,200
e. Over 5, Enter the e. Over $31,200, Enter the
Number: Amount: $
For each additional person in your household add $4,500
� Adults:_______ Children:______ Total Number:___________
+ �� Check all sources of income for your household: r Wages or Salaries r Disability Payments r TANF (AFDC) Interest or Dividends from: r Workers Compensation r Food Stamps r Savings Accounts, r Social Security, SSI, SSP r Child Support r Stocks or Bonds, or r Pensions r Cash and/or r Retirement Accounts r Insurance Settlements Other Income r Unemployment Benefits r Legal Settlements r Spousal r Rental or Royalty Income Support r Scholarships, Grants, or Other Aid Used for Living Expenses r Profit from Self-Employment (IRS Form 1040, Schedule C, line 29)
+ �� Can anyone else claim you as a dependent on his/her Income Tax (other than your spouse)? r Yes r No
Declaration and Self-Certification Statement: I state the information I have provided in this application is true and correct. I agree to provide proof of income if asked. I agree to inform SoCalGas if I no longer qualify to receive the discount. I know that if I receive any discount without qualifying for it, I may be required to pay back the discount I received. I understand that SoCalGas can share my information with other utilities or their agents to enroll me in their assistance programs.
Signature:_________________________ - Date:_________ ( Phone No.:(____)___________ Did you complete � through �? Southern California Gas Company Form 6491-1E (03/01)
NAME: ____________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________
CITY: ____________________________________________
Pease return application to: THE GAS COMPANY, CARE PROGRAM M L 711A, PO BOX 3249, LOS ANGELES CA 90051-1249
How to Apply for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program: You may be eligible for a 15% discount on your gas bill at your primary residence. You may also qualify for a 60% discount on your Service Establishment Charge if you are qualified within 90 days of starting new gas service. To apply, please complete the application form included and return it in the envelope provided. You will receive your discount(s) once your completed, signed application is approved by The Gas Company.
VERIFICATION: You may be asked at a later date to verify your household’s eligibility for CARE. If requested, you must provide proof of income for all persons living in your household. If you do not reply or are found not eligible, you may receive corrected billings.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (All Must Be Met): • The gas bill is in your name. • No one else can claim you as a dependent on his/her Income Tax (other than
your spouse). • Your total yearly household income (the income or aid received by all
persons living in your home) -- before deductions -- is no more than the income level shown below.
• You reapply for CARE every time you move. • You renew your application for CARE every 2 years. • You verify your eligibility for CARE, if requested. • You notify The Gas Company within 30 days of any changes in your eligibility.
Number of Persons in Household: 1 2 3 4 5 Total Yearly Household Income No More Than: $18,800 $18,800 $22,200 $26,700 $31,200 For each additional person in your household add $4,500
What Counts as Income? Total household income is all revenues, from all household members, from whatever sources derived, including but not limited to: wages, salaries, interest, dividends, spousal and child support payments; public assistance payments, Social Security and pensions, rental income, income from self-employment, and all employment-related non-cash income.
Other programs and services you may qualify for: LIHEAP- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Provides bill payment assistance, emergency bill assistance and weatherization services. Call the California Department of Community Services at 1-800-433-4327. DAP - The SoCalGas Direct Assistance Program for weatherization services. Call 1-800-331-7593.
For information in other languages, call SoCalGas at: English: 1-800-427-2200 Mandarin: 1-800-427-1429 Spanish: 1-800-342-4545 Korean: 1-800-427-0471 Cantonese: 1-800-427-1420 Vietnamese: 1-800-427-0478 Southern California Gas Company Form 6491-D (6/01)
ATTACHMENT C
Advice No. 3003-A
SELF MAILER CARE APPLICATION
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Application Solicitud para el Programa de Tarifas Alternativas para Energía en California (CARE)
Date/Fecha ______________ Account Number/Número de cuenta __________________________
+ �� Check the total number of persons in your household/Marque el número total de personas que viven en su hogar:
r One/Uno (1) r Two/Dos (2) r Three/Tres (3) r Four/Cuatro (4) r Five/Cinco (5) r More than Five/Más de Cinco (5+), Number/Número:________
� Adults/Adultos_______ Children/Hijos______ Total Number/Número Total___________ + �� Check the total yearly household income for all persons in your household from all sources/Marque el
número total de personas en su hogar y el ingreso anual total de su hogar de todas las personas viviendo en su hogar, y de todas fuentes de ingresos:
a. r $0 to $18,800 d. r $26,701 to $31,200 b. r $18,801 to $22,200 e. r More than $31,200/Más de $31,200, Total Income/Ingreso total: c. r $22,201 to $26,700 $_______________
+ �� Check all sources of income for your household/Marque todas las fuentes de ingresos de su hogar:
r Wages or Salaries/Sueldos o salarios r Interest or Dividends from/Interés o dividendos de: r Savings Accounts/Cuentas de ahorros r Stocks or Bonds/Acciones o bonos r Retirement Accounts/Cuentas de retiro r Unemployment Benefits/Beneficios de desempleo r Rental or Royalty Income/Ingresos de alquiler o regalías r Scholarships, Grants, or Other Aid Used for Living Expenses/Becas, subvenciones, u otra ayuda usada
para sufragar el costo de vida r Profit from Self-Employment (IRS Form 1040, Schedule C, line 29)/Ganancias de autoempleo (Forma 1040, delete space
tabla C, línea 29 del IRS) r Disability Payments/Pagos de discapacitación r Workers Compensation/Compensación al trabajador r Social Security, SSI, SSP/Seguro Social, SSI, SSP r Pensions/Pensiones r Insurance Settlements/Indemnizaciones de seguro r Legal Settlements/Indemnizaciones legales r TANF (AFDC) r Food Stamps/Estampillas de comida r Child Support/Apoyo para los hijos r Cash and/or Other Income/Dinero en efectivo y/o otros ingresos r Spousal Support/Apoyo de cónyuge
+ ÍÍ Can anyone else claim you as a dependent on his/her Income Tax (other than your spouse)? ¿Alguien (que no delete space sea su cónyuge) podría declararle como dependiente en la declaración de impuestos? rYes/Sí rNo/No Declaration and Self-Certification Statement: I state the information I have provided in this application is true and correct. I agree to provide proof of income if asked. I agree to inform The Gas Company if I no longer qualify to receive the discount. I know that if I receive any discount without qualifying for it, I may be required to pay back the discount I received. I understand that The Gas Company can share my information with other utilities or their agents to enroll me in their assistance programs. Declaración y afirmación de autocertificación: Yo declaro que la información provista en esta solicitud es verdadera y correcta. Si en algún momento no califico para recibir el descuento, notificaré a The Gas Company. Si ya no califico pero sigo recibiendo el descuento, tal vez tendré que pagar la cantidad del descuento que recibí. Entiendo que The Gas Company puede compartir mi información con otros servicios públicos o sus representantes, para registrarme en sus programas de asistencia.
- Signature/Firma:______________________________________ Date/Fecha:__________________
( Phone/Teléfono:(____)______________ Did you complete �� through ÍÍ? ¿Completó preguntas número �� a ÍÍ?
Source Code: __________________ Southern California Gas Company Form 6491-2 (06/01) © 2001 Southern California Gas Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved. No Tape/No use cinta adhesiva Moisten and Seal/Humedezca y selle No Staples/No engrape
Name/Nombre _____________________________________________________ Address/Dirección ________________________ City/Ciudad _____________________
Tape/NoUse How To Apply For The California Alternate Rates For Energy (CARE) Program
Cómo Aplicar al Programa de Tarifas Alternativas para Energía en California (CARE) You may be eligible for a 15% discount on your gas bill at your primary residence. You may also qualify for a 60% discount on your Service Establishment Charge if you are qualified within 90 days of starting new gas service. To apply, please complete the application form and return it to The Gas Company. You will receive your discount(s) once your completed, signed application is approved by The Gas Company®. Usted podría ser elegible para recibir un 15% de descuento en su cuenta de gas de su residencia principal. También podría calificar para un descuento de 60% en el Cargo por Establecimiento de Servicio, si es aprobado antes de 90 días desde el comienzo de su nuevo servicio de gas. Para aplicar, por favor complete y firme la solicitud, y envíela a The Gas Company. Recibirá su descuento en cuanto su solicitud esté aprobada por The Gas Company®. VERIFICATION: You may be asked at a later date to verify your household’s eligibility for CARE. If requested, you must provide proof of income for all persons living in your household. If you do not reply or are found not eligible, you may receive corrected billings. VERIFICACION: Para el programa CARE, puede ser que se le pida que compruebe el ingreso de su hogar. Si se le pide, usted debe presentar prueba del ingreso de todas las personas que viven en su hogar. Si no responde o si no es considerado elegible, podría recibir las cuentas corregidas.
Eligibility Requirements (All must be met)
Requisitos para ser Elegible (Tendrá que cumplir todos los requisitos)
• The gas bill is in your name. La cuenta de gas está a su nombre. • No one else can claim you as a dependent on his/her Income Tax (other than your spouse). Nadie más, aparte de su cónyuge, lo anota en la declaración de impuestos. • Your total yearly household income (the income or aid received by all persons living in your home) -- before deductions -- is no more than the income level shown below. El ingreso anual total de su hogar (el ingreso o ayuda recibido por todas las personas que viven en su hogar) -- antes de ser deducido -- no sobrepasa el nivel de ingresos mostrados abajo. • You reapply for CARE every time you move. Tiene que aplicar de nuevo para CARE cada vez que se cambie de hogar. • You renew your application for CARE every 2 years. Tiene que renovar su solicitud para CARE cada 2 años. • You verify your eligibility for CARE, if requested. Tiene que verificar su situación para ser elegible para CARE, si se le pide. • You notify The Gas Company within 30 days of any changes in your eligibility. Tiene que notificar a The Gas Company antes de 30 días si hay algún cambio en su situación para ser elegible.
Number of Persons in Household: Número de personas en su hogar:
1
2
3
4
5
Total Yearly Household Income No More Than: Ingreso anual total de su hogar no más de:
$18,800
$18,800
$22,200
$26,700
$31,200
For each additional person in your household add $4,500 Agregue $4,500 por cada persona adicional
What counts as income?
¿Qué cuenta como ingresos?
Total household income is all revenues, from all household members, from whatever sources derived, including but not limited to: wages, salaries, interest, dividends, spousal and child support payments; public assistance payments, Social Security and pensions, rental income, income from self-employment, and all employment-related non-cash income. El ingreso anual total incluye todos los ingresos, de todos los miembros de su hogar, de cualquier fuente de ingresos, incluyendo, pero no limitado a, los sueldos, salarios, intereses, dividendos, pagos de apoyo para su cónyuge y/o hijo, pagos de asistencia pública, pensiones y pagos del seguro social, ingresos del alquiler, ingresos de autoempleo, y todos los ingresos que son relacionados al empleo que no sean pagados en efectivo.
Other Programs And Services You May Qualify For
Otros programas y servicios para los que puede calificar
LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program/Programa de Asistencia de Energía en el Hogar para Bajos Recursos Provides bill payment assistance, emergency bill assistance and weatherization services. Call the California Department of Community Services at 1-800-433-4327. Proveé asistencia para pagar su cuenta, asistencia urgente de su cuenta y servicios de impermeabilización, al llamar el Departamento de Servicios para la Comunidad de California al 1-800-433-4327. DAP – The Gas Company’s Direct Assistance Program/Programa de Asistencia Directa de The Gas Company Provides weatherization services. Call 1-800-331-7593. Proveé servicios de impermeabilización. Llame al 1-800-331-7593.
For information on CARE in other languages, call The Gas Company at:
English: 1-800-427-2200 Mandarin: 1-800-427-1429 Cantonese: 1-800-427-1420 Korean: 1-800-427-0471 Vietnamese: 1-800-427-0478
Para más información en español sobre CARE, llame a The Gas Company al 1-800-342-4545.
No Postage Necessary If Mailed In The United States
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
The Gas Company CARE Program ML711A PO Box 3249 Los Angeles, CA 90051-1249
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. XXXX LOS ANGELES, CA
ATTACHMENT D
Advice No. 3003-A
CARE WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
Attachment D
CARE Public Workshop Attendee Lists
February 13, 2000 (Energy Resource Center, Downey) Facilitated by Donna Jones-Moore, Southern California Gas Company
Name Organization/Company 1 Elizabeth Kyuchokyam Armenian Relief Society 2 Patricia Torres Community Rehabilitation Services 3 Sandy Jernegan Community Pantry 4 Sharon Lee-Balderas Southern California Gas Company 5 Susanna Selesky Southern California Gas Company 6 Carmen Rudshagen Southern California Gas Company 7 Pete Zanzot Southern California Edison Company 8 Jack Parkhill Southern California Edison Company 9 Pat Aldridge Southern California Edison Company Call-in Attendees
10 Kathy Valdez Vista Community Clinic 11 Frances Cerda Vista Community Clinic 12 Steve Rutledge CPUC -- Energy Division 13 Josie Webb CPUC – Office of Ratepayer Advocates 14 Margaret Moore Sempra Energy 15 Susan La Flam San Diego Gas & Electric Company 16 Yvette Vazquez San Diego Gas & Electric Company 17 Jeff Beresini Pacific Gas and Electric Company Mailed in Comments
18 Carmen Spurling Labor’s Community Service Agency February 14, 2001 (Pacific Energy Center, San Francisco) Facilitated by Jeff Beresini, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Name Organization/Company 1 William Parker Community Action Agency of San Mateo 2 Roxanne Figueroa Richard Heath and Associates, Inc. 3 Zaida Amaya CPUC – Energy Division 4 Terri Tannehill CPUC – Energy Division 5 Steve Rutledge CPUC – Energy Division 6 Pete Zanzot Southern California Edison Company 7 Jack Parkhill Southern California Edison Company 8 Donna Jones-Moore Southern California Gas Company 9 Sharon Lee-Balderas Southern California Gas Company Call-in Attendees
10 Susanna Selesky Southern California Gas Company 11 Carmen Rudshagen Southern California Gas Company 12 Susan La Flam San Diego Gas & Electric Company 13 Margaret Moore Sempra Energy
ATTACHMENT E
Advice No. 3003-A
COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC INPUT WORKSHOPS
PUBCOM.DOC
ATTACHMENT E
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
Comments from Public Input Workshops
Comments Topic Comments / Discussion From Action Workshop
Household Information Adult/children breakout is not in SCE's application and probably should be consistent with the other utility applications.
Community Pantry Incorporated 2/13/01, Downey
Household Information Only total number of household members is necessary because some customers do not want to reveal that multiple families live in the residence. A statement that the information would be kept confidential would be desirable.
Armenian Relief Society
Utilities utilize this information for
verification.
2/13/01, Downey
Household Information Adult/children breakout is helpful when conducting post-enrollment verification of income.
PG&E, SDG&E N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Income Information Perhaps SCE could add an "Other" box in
the income categories with a line to fill in an income source.
Armenian Relief Society
Utilities will standardize "Other
Income" source.
2/13/01, Downey
Income Information SoCalGas' application shows family size and income ranges separately, which causes confusion. It should be modeled after SCE's application which shows one income limit by family size.
Armenian Relief Society
Incorporated 2/13/01, Downey
PUBCOM.DOC
Income Information It is difficult to categorize certain income types that do not fit into the categories shown on the application.
Armenian Relief Society,
Community Pantry, Community
Rehabilitation Services
N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Income Information Income is mentioned in three different areas of the application. It is important that the client see the table of the Maximum Household Income, but it may not be necessary for them to review all sources of household income. On the application, it states: You must count all sources of your household's income, that should suffice. This statement perfectly explains the idea, but it is followed by a list of bulleted sources of income. We would recommend eliminating the various sources of income, which would ensure the continuity of the section that states Review of Qualifications.
Labor’s Community Service Agency
Utilities want to ensure customer knowledge and
program integrity.
Comments submitted in
writing to Energy Division
Income Information Customers should not have to disclose their specific income. Utilities should include the eligibility guidelines only as reference.
CPUC, Energy Division
Utilities want to ensure program
integrity.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Income Information Listing of 'types of income' is helpful for customers as it helps them discern what they need to include to calculate their income.
CPUC, Energy Division
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
PUBCOM.DOC
Account Information There is confusion over which account number (from the multiple numbers shown on SCE's bill) to use on the CARE Application.
Community Rehabilitation
Services
Incorporated 2/13/01, Downey
Account Information The above comment is acknowledged and a clearer labeling will be made in the next revision of SCE's application.
SCE N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Type Size and Graphics It may help draw a customer's attention to the signature line if a graphic (such as a hand with a pen) was included on SCE and SDG&E's applications.
Vista Community Clinic
Incorporated 2/13/01, Downey
Type Size and Graphics Emphasize the area where client is required to sign since there is a tendency for many clients to omit signing the form.
Labor’s Community Service Agency
Incorporated Comments submitted in
writing to Energy Division
Type Size and Graphics Make the type (font size) larger as it would be easier to read for seniors and seeing-impaired.
Community Action Agency of San
Mateo
Variations are associated with automation and
spacing constraints and PUC Directives
2/14/01, San Francisco
Referrals to Other
Programs Welfare and Gain program forms include a form with the names of agencies who can provide help in various languages. This could help avoid the CARE application from being thrown out. (Even a limited number of agencies would be helpful.)
Armenian Relief Society
Utilities will standardize
LIHEAP reference and maintain flexibility to
incorporate other
2/13/01, Downey
PUBCOM.DOC
of agencies would be helpful.) incorporate other referrals. Limited space constraints.
Referrals to Other Programs
Multiple sources for help frustrates customers because they get passed around too much. Challenges need to be overcome.
Community Pantry N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Referrals to Other Programs
Information phone lines are available at the county level to provide references to other programs.
SoCalGas Limited space constraints
2/13/01, Downey
Referrals to Other Programs
State information phone number would be helpful.
SCE Limited space constraints
2/13/01, Downey
Referrals to Other Programs
Utility phone centers are equipped to handle foreign languages.
SCE N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Referrals to Other Programs
The referrals to other programs can be very helpful to customers. Expand referral for CSD to include all program elements.
CPUC, Energy Division
Utilities will standardize
LIHEAP reference
2/14/01, San Francisco
Referrals to Other Programs
SoCalGas provides LIHEAP phone number. PG&E and SDG&E provides HEAP phone number. SCE has separate sheet (which will be incorporated into the form) which refers to HEAP.
Utilities Utilities will standardize
LIHEAP reference and maintain flexibility to
incorporate other referrals. Limited space constraints.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Referrals to Other Programs
Concern about LIHEAP agencies being overwhelmed with customer calls if utilities give out direct phone number to agencies.
SDG&E N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
PUBCOM.DOC
Referrals to Other Programs
The fact that LIHEAP agencies are overwhelmed is an important issue that goes along with lack of funding to serve all eligible customers (less than 12% of total customer base can be served.)
Community Action Agency of San
Mateo
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Referrals to Other Programs
Utility has checked with CSD and they requested the referrals be directed to LIHEAP 800 number.
SoCalGas N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Languages Welfare and Gain program forms include a
form with the names of agencies who can provide help in various languages. This could help avoid the CARE application being thrown out. (Even a limited number of agencies would be helpful.)
Armenian Relief Society
Utility phone centers are
equipped to handle foreign languages
2/13/01, Downey
Languages Having English and 2nd language on the same application makes it easier for customers as it provides them with the opportunity to get assistance from either or both networks. There seems to be a higher comfort level with same-language network. Makes it easier if a customer does not speak English as their primary language.
Richard Heath & Associates
All utilities have English/Spanish (varying degrees)
on their applications.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Languages All utilities have English/Spanish (varying degrees) on their applications. PG&E implemented the 1-side Engilsh/1-side 2nd language based on customer feedback.
Utilities N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Languages Having multiple languages makes it easier if the customers does not speak English as a
Richard Heath & Associates
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
PUBCOM.DOC
primary language
Perjury Statement The perjury statement should specify who
the customer's information will be shared with (other utilities).
CPUC-Office of Ratepayer Advocates
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/13/01, Downey
Perjury Statement Simplify perjury statement so more people will read and understand it.
Armenian Relief Society
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/13/01, Downey
Perjury Statement Do not simplify the perjury statement too much.
Community Panty Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/13/01, Downey
Perjury Statement Reword the 'rebill' language. Vista Community Clinic
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/13/01, Downey
Perjury Statement Rebilling is discretionary to allow utilities some flexibility. The wording "may" came directly from the CPUC.
SCE and SoCalGas Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/13/01, Downey
Perjury Statement Three draft versions of a perjury statement were discussed. The participants reached a consensus on wording.
All Workshop Participants
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/13/01, Downey
Perjury Statement Annual recertification would be better than telling customer to notify the utilities of ineligibility (because customers are not likely to do so).
Armenian Relief Society
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/13/01, Downey
Perjury Statement Group found that draft version #3 was the easiest for the customer to understand.
All Workshop Participants
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
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Perjury Statement The last sentence of example 1 provides a better description of the referral system.
Richard Heath and Associates
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Perjury Statement The reference to 'sharing information' could cause customers concern (who do we share with, what type of information is shared, etc.).
Community Action Agency of San
Mateo
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Perjury Statement This statement is provided so customers are informed about their information being shared (privacy right).
SoCalGas Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Perjury Statement All utilities have confidentiality agreements between utility/contractor/agency that includes a customer confidentiality clause as well as non-disclosure agreements between the utilities.
Utilities Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Perjury Statement Include a box that can be checked stating that the customer does not want their information shared.
Community Action Agency of San
Mateo
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Perjury Statement Customers are not aware of the utilities' inner-workings and agreements with outside parties about confidentiality and information sharing.
Community Action Agency of San
Mateo
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Perjury Statement CAA of San Mateo does not give out any customer information without a subpoena and feels it is imperative to protect the low-income customers (as they are often a target for unscrupulous marketing).
Community Action Agency of San
Mateo
Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
PUBCOM.DOC
Perjury Statement Utilities do not have the system technology to 'flag' customers in the system to indicate that they should be excluded from information exchange.
Utilities Utilities will standardize perjury
statement.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application Application should be kept as simple as
possible. Armenian Relief
Society N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Overall Application Although customers like to know everything on the CARE application, there is too much verbiage.
Vista Community Clinic
Utilities want to insure customers
are aware of program
requirements.
2/13/01, Downey
Overall Application There may be a tendency to provide as much information as possible on the CARE application to help ensure the customer understands the program, avoiding later removal from the program because of misunderstanding.
SoCalGas N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Overall Application CARE applications are designed to reach as many customers as possible and this seems to work okay. Simpler language probably would be desirable.
SCE N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Overall Application The ULTS application only requires a signature and date - very simple application.
Armenian Relief Society
Utilities want to ensure customer knowledge and
program integrity.
2/13/01, Downey
Overall Application The application includes too much information. It has been our experience that the clients misunderstand certain areas of the application and tend to feel a bit
Labor’s Community Service Agency
Utilties want to ensure customers
are aware of program
Comments submitted in
writing to Energy Division
PUBCOM.DOC
of the application and tend to feel a bit intimidated by it. It is particularly overwhelming for those with limited or monolingual speaking abilities. Simplify the application form by eliminating those parts that only seem to complicate the process.
program requirements
Division
Overall Application Would be better to have the customer information pre-printed on the applications.
CPUC, Energy Division
SoCalGas and PG&E currently
provide-automation is an issue for the other two utilities.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application SoCalGas and PG&E currently have that capability and send out applications with pre-printed information whenever possible.
SoCalGas and PG&E
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application Have the forms available on line. Richard Heath and Associates
SoCalGas and PG&E currently
provide variation-automation is an
issue for the other two utilities.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application PG&E has a 'printable' application on line, but does not have on-line submittal (there are outstanding legal issues related to the customer signature for electronic applications as well as technical issues).
PG&E N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application SoCalGas has on-line request for application, but not on-line submittal.
SoCalGas N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
PUBCOM.DOC
Overall Application The CARE form should be condensed to resemble the ULTS form (Customers check the designated service, sign and date the mail-in coupon).
CPUC, Energy Division
Utilities want to ensure customer knowledge and
program integrity.
2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application Informal personal study conducted by Steve among his co-workers, determined ULTS form was twice as easy to fill out compared to CARE forms.
CPUC, Energy Division
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application Discussion excerpts from D.00-01-028 (Telecommunications), page 109, (provided by CPUC Energy Division), references the Commission proposal to revise GO153 to require utilities to ask potential ULTS customers about their income level and household size in order to determine eligibility (without disclosing eligibility criteria).
CPUC, Energy Division
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application Above referenced excerpts provide for achievement of three goals in screening customers for eligibility: 1) Process should result in eligible customers enrolling in ULTS, 2) Prevent ineligible customers from enrolling, and 3) Not be unduly burdensome for utilities to administer.
CPUC, Energy Division
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application SDG&E noted that per a Commission Decision from last year, ULTS was ordered to implement a Post-Enrollment Verification (PEV) process.
SDG&E N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application ULTS has a sign up fee (PacBell: $7.50 +/-; Utility Members N/A 2/14/01, San
PUBCOM.DOC
GTE: $8.00 +/-) Francisco Overall Application ULTS and CARE program requirements are
not an exact match. ULTS does not include all household members in it's definition of household, it classifies individuals/households by financial independence. There is the possibility of having multiple ULTS 'households' in one dwelling unit, while there can only be one (per meter) per household for the utility.
SoCalGas N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application ULTS has no known penetration rates (as it relates to low-income customers)--there penetration is related to overall telephone service. The ULTS Marketing Board is currently bidding for a study on penetration/saturation (to include determine of low-income participation).
SoCalGas N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application There is no direction from the CPUC to mandate ULTS uniformity for the CARE program. The two programs have entirely different directives from the Commission and the comparison is not equitable.
SoCalGas N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Overall Application ULTS has 'phone-in' sign up (while talking to a service rep). After enrollment, application is sent to customer. If no customer response within 3 months, customer is dropped from the rate and re-billed.
CPUC, Energy Division
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
PUBCOM.DOC
Overall Application PacBell had a problem w/customers who called in for the rate, never returned the application, were rebilled-then called in and enrolled again (was a continuous cycle of customer abusing the system of phone-in sign up).
PG&E N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
Discount The amount of the CARE discount is not
much for their clients, so there is a lack of interest. However, interest increases as energy bills increase.
Community Panty N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Discount Many clients have signed up for EAF/GAF funds and then add CARE when they find out about it. Some clients mistakenly believe they are already on CARE.
Community Panty N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Discount Agency has seen submetered bills that more clearly show the CARE discount.
Community Panty N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Discount Discounts shown on the energy bills confuse customers. The bills could be clearer.
CPUC-Office of Ratepayer Advocates
N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Discount The discount is not shown on SCE's bill because the discount is it's own rate (as with the other utilities).
SCE N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Discount Showing CARE discount is doable on SoCalGas' bill
SoCalGas N/A 2/13/01, Downey
Discount Change the Income Guidelines to 60% of median income (CA) which is consistent with LIHEAP and other state programs.
Community Action Agency of San
Mateo
Program eligibility likely to change
with pending legislation.
2/14/01, San Francisco
PUBCOM.DOC
General Comments Does not see any real problems with the
forms having an 'intimidation factor' for customers
Community Pantry N/A 2/13/01, Downey
General Comments Talking the customer through the CARE application works well. A one-on-one approach to fill out the application has been successful.
Vista Community Clinic
N/A 2/13/01, Downey
General Comments It is still necessary to walk many customers through the CARE application because they do not read.
Community Pantry, Vista Community
Clinic
N/A 2/13/01, Downey
General Comments The agency reduces the possibility of intimidation because they instruct clients to come to them if additional information is requested by a utility such as proof of income as a result of post-enrollment verification.
Armenian Relief Society
N/A 2/13/01, Downey
General Comments Agency advises customers abort recertification and post-enrollment verification so there is no intimidation.
Community Pantry N/A 2/13/01, Downey
General Comments It is helpful to have one-on-one sign up for the program. Agency (or other) personnel walking customers through the form.
Richard Heath and Associates
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
General Comments It makes a customer less intimidated if the program is explained via community service agency or personal contact
Richard Heath and Associates
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
General Comments Literacy is a problem in enrolling customers. These customers are most effectively reached through direct contact.
Richard Heath and Associates
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
PUBCOM.DOC
General Comments Post enrollment verification (PEV) and recertification process is where many of the customers fall off the rate. Customers still need assistance with these program documents.
Richard Heath and Associates
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
General Comments After initial sign up (in some instances) the originating agency informs the customer about PEV and recertification at the time of outreach. Some customers do return for assistance-others do not.
Richard Heath and Associates
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco
General Comments Wanted to know what % of customers that call in for an application actually get placed on the rate (the utilities did not have that information available as it is not consistently tracked by all utilities. (PG&E finds a lot of duplication.)
Richard Heath and Associates
N/A 2/14/01, San Francisco