The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. Administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and other California utility providers, CARE offers a crucial financial cushion for eligible residents. While the CARE program is incredibly beneficial for those who qualify, there might be situations where you need to understand how to disenroll or “get off” the program.
This guide will explain the PG&E CARE program, reasons why you might want to disenroll, and the steps to take if you need to cancel your enrollment.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to eligible customers, making energy more affordable. Specifically, participants receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. This can translate to significant savings, helping families allocate their budgets to other essential needs.
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income. As of the latest guidelines, the income limits are structured 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, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies you for CARE. 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 Would You Want to Disenroll from CARE?
While the benefits of the CARE program are clear, there are several reasons why a customer might want to disenroll:
- Increased Income: If your household income has increased and now exceeds the CARE income limits, you may no longer be eligible for the program. While not always mandatory, some customers prefer to disenroll if they believe they no longer qualify based on income.
- Personal Choice: Some customers may feel their financial situation has improved to a point where they no longer need or want to participate in a low-income assistance program, even if they technically still qualify.
- Moving Out of State or PG&E Service Area: If you are moving out of California or to an area not serviced by PG&E, you will naturally need to disenroll as the program is specific to California and PG&E service areas.
- Administrative Reasons: In rare cases, there might be administrative issues or errors that necessitate disenrollment and potential re-enrollment later if eligibility is confirmed.
It’s important to note that disenrolling from CARE is a voluntary process. If you are unsure whether you still qualify or if disenrollment is the right step for you, it’s always best to contact PG&E directly to discuss your situation.
How to Disenroll from the PG&E CARE Program
The process to disenroll from the PG&E CARE program is straightforward. The primary method is to contact PG&E directly and request to be removed from the program. Here are the steps you can take:
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Contact PG&E Customer Service: The most direct way to disenroll is to call PG&E’s customer service line. You can reach them at 1-800-PGE-5000 (1-800-743-5000). This is the general customer service number and you can specify that you want to disenroll from the CARE program when you speak to a representative.
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Inform the Representative of Your Disenrollment Request: When you connect with a customer service representative, clearly state that you wish to disenroll from the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. You may be asked for your account information to verify your identity and locate your CARE enrollment.
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Confirm Disenrollment: After making your request, ensure you receive confirmation that your disenrollment has been processed. You might want to ask for a confirmation number or note the date and time of your call and the representative’s name for your records. You can also inquire about when the disenrollment will be effective and when you will stop receiving the CARE discount on your bills.
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Review Your Next Bill: Check your subsequent PG&E bill to confirm that the CARE discount is no longer being applied. This will serve as final confirmation that your disenrollment is complete.
While calling is the most common and direct method, you might also be able to inquire about disenrollment options through PG&E’s website or online account portal. However, for a definitive and immediate action, contacting customer service via phone is generally the most efficient approach.
Re-enrolling in CARE if Needed
If your circumstances change again in the future and you become eligible for the CARE program once more, you can re-apply. The process for re-enrolling is the same as the initial application process. You would need to demonstrate your eligibility based on current income guidelines or enrollment in qualifying public assistance programs. You can apply online through the PG&E website or request an application form by mail.
Exploring Other Assistance Programs
If you are disenrolling from CARE because your income slightly exceeds the limits but you are still facing challenges with energy bills, you might want to explore the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a lower discount (18% on electricity bills) but has higher income limits. Contact PG&E to inquire about FERA and other assistance programs that might be available to you.
Conclusion
Disenrolling from the PG&E CARE program is a simple process primarily done by contacting PG&E customer service. Understanding the reasons for disenrollment and the steps involved ensures a smooth transition should you decide to opt out of the program. Whether you are disenrolling due to increased income, personal choice, or relocation, PG&E customer service is your primary point of contact to manage your CARE program status. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to PG&E directly for personalized assistance.
