There is an exemption available for residential utility customers who are seventy (70) years of age or older. This exemption also applies if the spouse or domestic partner of the customer is seventy (70) years of age or older. The other exemption is for low income residential customers. Any customer who is enrolled in the PG&E CARE Program (California Alternate Rates for Energy) can qualify for this exemption.

How to Apply

Simple applications are available for these exemptions. For seniors, in addition to completing the form for the senior exemption, they also need to provide proof of age with a copy of a government issued identification (California Drivers License, State issued identification card, or other official document) for the qualifying senior. Also, copies of the front page of the most recent utility bills (applies to electricity, natural gas, telephone, cell phone, and cable T.V., not satellite) to verify account information.

For the low income exemption, applicants need to provide copies of their most recent PG&E bill showing their enrollment in the CARE program and copies of the front page of the most recent utility bills (applies to electricity, natural gas, telephone, cell phone, and cable T.V., not satellite) to verify account information.

Exemption Applications

Exemption applications are available at the following location:

Finance Office located on the first floor of the City Administration Building, 37101 Newark Blvd., Newark.

• Low Income Residents Exemption Form (PDF)
• Residents 70 Years or Older Exemption Form (PDF)

Submit completed application and attachments to:

City of Newark, Finance Department
37101 Newark Boulevard
Newark, CA 94560

Effective Date of Exemption

Exemptions will not take effect until the application has been verified and approved by the Tax Administrator and processed by the utilities. The City has up to 60 days to process the request for exemption and if approved, notify the utility companies.

For Low-Income Exemptions - The exemption becomes effective on the beginning of the first regular billing period commencing after the utility companies have been notified.

For Senior Citizen Exemptions – The exemption becomes effective on the beginning of the second regular billing period commencing after the utility companies have been notified.

Exemption Change and Refund Forms

Residents who made changes to their utility services will need to complete an Exemption Change Form. Select the appropriate form below to make the change.

• Low-Income Resident Exemption Change Form (PDF)
• Residents 70 Years or Older Exemption Change Form (PDF)

Residents may be eligible for a refund of taxes improperly collected by the utilities. Residents seeking a refund must complete the Utility Users Tax Refund Form below.

• Utility Users Tax Refund Form (PDF)

Questions?

Laurie Gebhard, Community Affairs Officer
City of Newark, City Manager’s Office
Phone: (510) 578-4392
Email: laurie.gebhard@newark.org

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