Are you looking to re-enroll in the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program? The CARE program offers significant discounts on your monthly electricity and natural gas bills for eligible low-income customers in California. If you were previously enrolled in CARE and need to re-enroll, this guide will provide you with a clear, step-by-step process to ensure you continue receiving these valuable benefits.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program
The PG&E CARE program is designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs. Enrollees receive a substantial discount on their utility bills – specifically, a 30-35 percent discount on electricity and a 20 percent discount on natural gas. This program is crucial for many California residents to afford essential energy services.
To determine if you qualify for the PG&E CARE program, it’s important to understand the income guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually and are based on household size. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits 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 limits, you may also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs 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
Why Re-Enroll in the PG&E CARE Program?
Re-enrolling in the PG&E CARE program is necessary to continue receiving your discounted energy rates. While initial enrollment might last for a period, periodic re-enrollment or recertification is often required to verify ongoing eligibility. This ensures that the benefits are directed to those who still meet the program’s criteria. You might need to re-enroll if your previous enrollment period has expired, or if PG&E requests recertification to confirm your continued eligibility.
Step-by-Step Guide to Re-Enrolling in PG&E CARE
Re-enrolling in the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Gather Necessary Information: Before you begin the re-enrollment process, collect the following information:
- PG&E Account Number: This can be found on your PG&E bill.
- Household Income Information: Have documentation ready to verify your household income. This might include pay stubs, tax returns, or statements from public assistance programs.
- Number of People in Your Household: Know the exact number of people living in your household.
- Public Assistance Program Enrollment (if applicable): If you qualify through enrollment in a public assistance program, have your enrollment documentation ready.
2. Choose Your Application Method: PG&E offers several convenient ways to re-enroll:
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Online Application: The quickest and easiest way to re-enroll is through the PG&E website. Visit the PG&E CARE program website and look for the “Apply Now” or “Re-Enroll” section. The online application will guide you through each step and allow you to submit your information electronically.
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Phone Application: You can also re-enroll by phone. Call PG&E’s dedicated CARE program line at 866-743-2273. A PG&E representative will assist you with the re-enrollment process over the phone and answer any questions you may have.
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Mail-in Application: If you prefer to apply by mail, you can download an application form from the PG&E website or request one to be mailed to you by calling the phone number above. Once you have the form, fill it out completely and mail it to the address provided on the form.
3. Complete the Application Form: Regardless of the method you choose, you will need to fill out an application form. Ensure you provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in processing your re-enrollment. Pay close attention to the income verification section and provide the necessary documentation as requested.
4. Submit Your Application and Supporting Documents: Submit your application through your chosen method (online, phone, or mail). If applying online or by mail, make sure to include copies of any required supporting documents, such as income verification or proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
5. Follow Up (If Necessary): After submitting your re-enrollment application, PG&E will typically process it within a few weeks. If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable time, or if you have any questions about the status of your application, don’t hesitate to contact PG&E at the CARE program phone number: 866-743-2273.
Maintaining Your CARE Enrollment
Once you are re-enrolled in the PG&E CARE program, it’s important to maintain your eligibility and keep your account information up to date with PG&E. Be sure to respond promptly to any requests from PG&E regarding your CARE enrollment, including any recertification requests in the future. Staying proactive will ensure uninterrupted benefits from the program.
Conclusion
Re-enrolling in the PG&E CARE program is essential for eligible customers to continue receiving crucial discounts on their energy bills. By following these steps and ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, you can successfully re-enroll and maintain access to affordable energy through the CARE program. For any further assistance or to start your re-enrollment process, contact PG&E directly at 866-743-2273 or visit their CARE program website.
This guide aims to simplify the re-enrollment process, helping you to secure the financial assistance you need with your energy expenses.
