Staff Report
Thousands of PG&E customers could save 20 percent or more on their monthly energy bill by enrolling in a Pacific Gas and Electric Company program called California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE).
The CARE program gives income-qualified households deep discounts on their energy bills, but nearly one in 10 eligible customers is not signed up for the program and are missing out on significant savings, company officials said.
PG&E estimates more than 150,000 customers throughout its service area could save on their monthly costs by enrolling in CARE. In Sacramento County, for example, which has the largest number of eligible customers not enrolled, more than 40,000 households could lower their bills by simply signing up for CARE.
Customers can apply for CARE online or with paper applications that are available through numerous community agencies throughout PG&E’s service area. Applying takes about five minutes, according to PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Laurie Giammona.
CARE is funded through a rate surcharge paid by all utility customers.
Every year, the California Public Utilities Commission adjusts the maximum qualifying income levels for CARE to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines. For example, this year the maximum eligible income for a family of three is $41,560. For each additional household member, another $8,640 is added to the maximum allowed.
To learn more about the Energy Savings Assistance Program, visit www.pge.com/energysavings.
