Frequently Asked Questions About the Burbank Utility Service Subsidy (BUSS) Program
Have a question? We're here to help! Find answers to our frequently asked questions about the BUSS Program.
1. What is the BUSS Program?
The Burbank Utility Service Subsidy (BUSS) program offers an ongoing monthly 12% discount on electric service to income-qualified residents.
2. Who is eligible to participate in the BUSS Program?
The BUSS Program is for residential BWP customers. Residents must meet the following conditions to qualify for the program:
- The applicant must be the account holder or co-applicant on the BWP account.
- Applicant must meet the Burbank PASS Program’s income requirements, shown in the table below. You can learn more about the Burbank PASS program at Burbankca.gov/BurbankPASS
- Applicants must provide a Tax Return for the most recent year filed, a Tax Return Transcript, or a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS with your application as proof of household income. You can request these documents from the IRS by calling (800) 908-9946 or by submitting an online request at IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
- Lifeline participants are not eligible to participate in the BUSS program.
3. How much will I save on my bill if I enroll in the BUSS Program?
Most BUSS Program participants will have average savings of $80-$160 per year on their electric bills.
4. What is the Burbank PASS Program?
The Burbank Program, Activity, and Service Subsidy (PASS) program provides residents in need of financial assistance the opportunity to engage and participate in Citywide services at discounted rates.
5. How do I become a co-applicant on the BWP account?
a. The BWP Account holder can add a co-applicant to their account by calling BWP Customer Service at (818) 238- 3700, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
6. What documentation do I need to submit with my BUSS Program application?
Applicants must provide a Tax Return for the most recent year filed, a Tax Return Transcript, or a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS with your application as proof of household income.
You can request these documents from the IRS by calling (800) 908-9946 or by submitting an online request at IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
The IRS estimates it will take 5 to 10 calendar days to deliver the requested document.
You can request these documents from the IRS by calling (800) 908-9946 or by submitting an online request at IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
The IRS estimates it will take 5 to 10 calendar days to deliver the requested document.
7. What do I do if I do not have a Tax Return?
If you do not have a Tax Return, we will also accept a Tax Return Transcript or a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS with your BUSS Program application as proof of household income.
You can request these documents from the IRS by calling (800) 908-9946 or by submitting an online request at IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
The IRS estimates it will take 5 to 10 calendar days to deliver the requested document.
You can request these documents from the IRS by calling (800) 908-9946 or by submitting an online request at IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
The IRS estimates it will take 5 to 10 calendar days to deliver the requested document.
8. How long will the BUSS Program be available?
The BUSS Program will be available until funds are exhausted.
9. How long will I be enrolled in the BUSS Program?
Residents approved to participate in the BUSS Program will be enrolled in the program for one year. Residents will be required to re-certify for the program after one year to continue participating.
10. How will I know when the BUSS Program discount has been applied to my bill?
You will see information on your bill when the BUSS Program discount has been applied to your account. The BUSS Program will be applied under the “Electric” section on your bill. The orange areas on the bill sample below highlight the spots on your bill where BUSS Program information will be displayed.
Please note this is a sample bill. Your bill may only have some of the services shown.
Please note this is a sample bill. Your bill may only have some of the services shown.
11. Can I participate in BUSS and Lifeline?
No. Lifeline customers are NOT eligible to participate in both Lifeline and the BUSS program.
We created the Lifeline Program to help disabled residents and senior members of our community. Lifeline offers an average discount of 40% off the electric portion of the participant’s utility bill and has different income criteria that residents must meet, as shown in the table below. If you are already on the Lifeline program, we recommend you continue participating in Lifeline to maximize the savings on your electric bill.
We created the Lifeline Program to help disabled residents and senior members of our community. Lifeline offers an average discount of 40% off the electric portion of the participant’s utility bill and has different income criteria that residents must meet, as shown in the table below. If you are already on the Lifeline program, we recommend you continue participating in Lifeline to maximize the savings on your electric bill.
12. Can I participate in BUSS and Project Share?
Yes. Residents can participate in the BUSS Program and receive one-time bill payment assistance through Project Share. To apply for project share, visit the program webpage.
13. How is the BUSS Program funded?
The BUSS Program is funded through the Public Benefits Fund.
All publicly-owned utilities in California must have a usage-based fee for customers that receive electricity through their utility. The money collected becomes the Public Benefits Fund and must be used to support investments in any or all of the following:
All publicly-owned utilities in California must have a usage-based fee for customers that receive electricity through their utility. The money collected becomes the Public Benefits Fund and must be used to support investments in any or all of the following:
- Energy efficiency and conservation programs
- New investments in renewables and other clean energy
- Research, development, and demonstration programs for the public interest to advance science or technology
- Programs or services for income-eligible electric customers, including but not limited to energy efficiency services, education, weatherization, and rate discounts.
14. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact BWP Customer Service at (818) 238-3700, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.