The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. If you are a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer and believe you qualify for CARE, understanding how to apply is crucial. While the digital age offers online application options, some may prefer or need to mail in their application. This guide will provide clarity on where to mail your PG&E CARE program application and offer essential information about the program itself.
Understanding the CARE Program and Its Benefits
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to eligible customers, specifically a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This financial relief can be vital for households striving to manage expenses.
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income, with specific upper limits that are updated annually. As of June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, the income guidelines are as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you may also qualify if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
Where to Mail Your PG&E CARE Program Application
While PG&E encourages online applications for speed and convenience, they also accommodate mail-in applications. However, it’s crucial to understand that PG&E does not publicly list a specific mailing address solely for CARE applications.
The most reliable way to determine where to mail your PG&E CARE application is to visit the official PG&E CARE website or contact PG&E directly.
Here’s how to find the most accurate mailing information:
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Visit the PG&E CARE Website: Go to the official PG&E website and navigate to their CARE program page. Look for application instructions or contact information. The website is often the most up-to-date resource. You can find the CARE program information here: CARE.
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Contact PG&E Customer Service: Call PG&E’s customer service line to request a CARE application and inquire about the mailing address. Their general customer service number and specific CARE program contact, as listed in the original document, is: 866-743-2273.
Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs Utility PG&E -
Request an Application by Mail: When you contact PG&E, specifically request that they mail you a CARE program application form. The return address on the application packet will be the correct mailing address for sending back your completed form.
Why isn’t there a readily available mailing address?
Utility companies sometimes centralize application processing or use different mailing addresses based on region or application type. Directly contacting PG&E ensures you are using the most current and correct address, preventing delays in your application process.
Additional Support: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
While this article focuses on CARE and PG&E, remember to inquire about FERA as well if your income is slightly above the CARE limits.
Conclusion
Finding the exact mailing address for your PG&E CARE application requires a direct step: contacting PG&E. By visiting their website or calling their customer service, you will obtain the most accurate instructions and ensure your application is sent to the right place. Take advantage of the CARE program to reduce your energy bills and manage your household expenses more effectively. Remember to check the PG&E website or contact them directly for the most current information and to begin your application process today.
