CARE Residential Single Family Program Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the discount last?
You will receive the discount for two years before you need to re-apply. Pacific Gas and Electric Company will automatically mail you a new application for re-certification in four languages (English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese), which must be returned within 90 days.
Do I have to show proof of income when I apply?
Proof of income is not required during the application process. However, a random sample of CARE customers is asked to provide income verification for quality assurance purposes.
How will I know when the discount has been applied to my bill?
On the left side of the first page of your bill under "Special Account information" it will state "CARE - Discount Rate". Also, the Gas Account Detail section and Electric Account Detail section list the CARE discount as a separate line item. View the sample bill (PDF, 103 KB).
If my family shares a meter with another home, can both of our households apply together?
No. Each family must be separately metered in order to receive a CARE discount.
How soon will the discount take effect?
The CARE discount will appear on your bill after the completion of a full billing cycle.
If my family has been denied CARE benefits before, how soon can we re-apply?
Pacific Gas and Electric Company encourages families to re-apply whenever their income situation changes. Income guidelines change in June of each year.
If you have additional questions about the program, call Pacific Gas and Electric Company at 1-866-PGE-CARE (1-866-743-2273) or e-mail CAREandFERA@pge.com.
