PG&E encourages customers to sign up for California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program

Pacific Gas and Electric Company recently encouraged customers to enroll in its California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program, noting that thousands of income-eligible households are not yet signed up.

These qualified customers are missing out on savings of up to 20 percent or more on their monthly energy bills, PG&E said.

“We want our customers to know they have the power to lower the cost of their energy bill. We hope the remaining eligible customers will learn more about the program and enroll,” PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Laurie Giammona said.

PG&E estimates that more than 74,000 customers in its service area could lower their monthly costs by enrolling in CARE. More than 1.37 million customers are currently enrolled in CARE, and customers have saved approximately $9.6 billion through the program.

Customers can apply for CARE online or through paper applications available at community agencies in PG&E’s service area, PG&E said.

CARE is funded through a rate surcharge paid by all utility customers. Each year, the California Public Utilities Commission adjusts the maximum qualifying income levels for CARE to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines.