The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), offers crucial financial relief to eligible low-income households by providing significant discounts on their energy bills. If you are already benefiting from the CARE program, it’s important to understand the re-enrollment process to ensure you continue receiving these valuable savings. This guide will walk you through how to re-enroll in the PG&E CARE program, making the process straightforward and ensuring you maintain your discounted energy rates.
Re-enrolling in the PG&E CARE program is a necessary step to confirm your continued eligibility and prevent any interruption in your benefits. Typically, CARE re-enrollment is required periodically to update your information and verify that you still meet the income guidelines or participate in qualifying public assistance programs. Staying enrolled in CARE can lead to substantial savings, with discounts ranging from 30-35 percent on your electric bill and 20 percent on your natural gas bill.
To begin your re-enrollment, the first step is to confirm whether you need to re-enroll. PG&E usually sends out notifications to CARE participants when it’s time to re-enroll. Keep an eye on your mail and email for any communication from PG&E regarding CARE re-enrollment. These notifications will contain specific instructions and deadlines.
Once you’ve determined that you need to re-enroll, gather the necessary information and documentation. The re-enrollment process is similar to the initial application, requiring you to demonstrate your eligibility once again. You will likely need to provide:
- Proof of Income: This could include recent pay stubs, tax returns, or social security statements. Ensure your income documentation is current and clearly shows that your household income is within the CARE income limits.
- Household Information: Have details about everyone living in your household, including their names, ages, and relationships to you.
- PG&E Account Information: Keep your PG&E account number handy for easy reference during the re-enrollment process.
- Information about Public Assistance Programs (if applicable): If you qualify for CARE through participation in programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or others, have your enrollment verification ready.
Image alt text: PG&E customer service representatives ready to assist customers with energy assistance programs.
With your documents prepared, you can proceed with the re-enrollment application. PG&E offers several convenient methods for re-enrolling in the CARE program:
- Online Re-enrollment: The easiest and fastest way to re-enroll is through the PG&E website. Visit the official PG&E CARE program page and look for the re-enrollment section. The online portal will guide you through each step, allowing you to upload your documents and submit your application electronically. This method is highly recommended for its speed and convenience.
- Phone Re-enrollment: 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, take your information over the phone, and guide you on submitting any required documents.
- Mail-in Re-enrollment: If you prefer to re-enroll by mail, you can download the CARE re-enrollment form from the PG&E website or request one to be mailed to you by calling the phone number above. Fill out the form completely, attach copies of your required documents, and mail it to the address provided on the form. Keep in mind that mail-in applications may take longer to process.
After submitting your re-enrollment application, PG&E will review your information to verify your continued eligibility. It’s important to respond promptly to any requests for additional information from PG&E to avoid delays in processing your re-enrollment. You can check the status of your application online through your PG&E account or by calling the CARE program phone line.
Re-enrolling in the PG&E CARE program ensures that you continue to receive discounted energy bills, helping to make your energy costs more manageable. By following these steps and staying informed about re-enrollment deadlines, you can maintain your CARE benefits without interruption. If you have any questions or need assistance with your re-enrollment, don’t hesitate to contact PG&E directly through their CARE program resources.
Image alt text: PG&E CARE program income eligibility guidelines table for households of various sizes, effective from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025.
