The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a fantastic initiative designed to help eligible low-income households manage their energy costs by providing significant discounts on their electricity and natural gas bills. However, life circumstances change, and you might find yourself in a situation where you no longer need or wish to participate in the program. If you’re asking “how do I get off PG&E CARE program?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will provide you with the information you need to understand how to manage your enrollment in the PG&E CARE program.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program
The PG&E CARE program offers a substantial discount to qualifying customers, typically between 30-35% on electricity and 20% on natural gas. This discount is crucial for many households in California to afford essential energy services. Eligibility is primarily based on household income or enrollment in certain public assistance programs. These programs include Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP/CalFresh, SSI, and others designed to support low-income individuals and families.
The income thresholds for CARE eligibility are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are as follows:
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
Why You Might Want to Disenroll from CARE
There are several reasons why a customer might want to get off the PG&E CARE program. The most common reason is a change in financial circumstances. If your household income has increased and now exceeds the program’s income limits, you may no longer be eligible and might want to disenroll to ensure you are accurately representing your financial situation. Alternatively, some customers may simply feel they no longer require the assistance provided by the program.
How to Disenroll from PG&E CARE Program
While the original article focuses on enrolling in CARE, the process for disenrolling is equally important. Unfortunately, specific step-by-step instructions for online disenrollment aren’t explicitly detailed on the PG&E CARE program pages. However, managing your enrollment typically involves direct communication with PG&E.
Here’s how you can proceed to disenroll:
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Contact PG&E Directly: The most effective way to disenroll is to contact PG&E customer service. You can reach them through the following methods:
- Phone: Call PG&E’s dedicated CARE program line at 1-866-743-2273. Explain that you wish to disenroll from the CARE program.
- Website: Visit the PG&E website (https://www.pge.com) and look for customer service or contact options. You may be able to find a contact form or chat option to request disenrollment. Navigate to the CARE program section for specific contact details if available.
- Mail: While slower, you can send a written request to disenroll to PG&E’s customer service mailing address. You can find this address on your PG&E bill or their website.
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Provide Necessary Information: When you contact PG&E, be ready to provide your account information, including your account number and service address. Clearly state your intention to disenroll from the CARE program and the reason if you wish to share it (though it’s usually not mandatory).
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Confirmation: After you’ve requested disenrollment, ask for a confirmation that your request has been processed. Keep a record of your communication, including the date and time of your call or a copy of your written request. Check your subsequent PG&E bills to ensure the CARE discount is no longer applied.
Re-enrolling in CARE in the Future
If your financial situation changes again in the future, and you become eligible for the CARE program once more, you can re-apply. The application process is generally the same as the initial enrollment. You can find application forms on the PG&E website or request them from PG&E directly or through community agencies.
Other Assistance Programs: FERA
It’s worth noting that if your income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, you might still qualify for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a smaller discount on your electricity bill. For instance, for a household of 3, the FERA income limit is $64,550, higher than the CARE limit. If you disenroll from CARE because you exceed the income limits, it may be beneficial to check if you qualify for FERA instead.
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
Conclusion
Managing your enrollment in the PG&E CARE program, including disenrolling, is straightforward. By contacting PG&E directly via phone, website, or mail, and clearly stating your request, you can effectively get off the program. Remember to confirm your disenrollment and explore other assistance programs like FERA if needed. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official PG&E website or contact their customer service directly.
