SACRAMENTO, Calif. — 10 On Your Side is getting answers for a family facing a more than $8,000 PG&E bill, and their story is a lesson for us all.
Donna sent 10 On Your Side a message saying she owed PG&E $8,000 over 4 months.
“I can't understand or do this anymore,” said Donna. “I'm not using any additional energy from last year, but the bill has almost tripled. I have an elderly mother-in-law with dementia living with us. There isn't help with any of the programs. I don't understand how a small business owner is supposed to keep going.”
We went straight to PG&E for answers, and the company tells us this case is a good reminder to check on the status of any discount programs you're enrolled in.
"It's important for customers to realize that there are many options for getting discounts or making payment arrangements," said Paul Moreno with PG&E.
The California Alternate Rates for Energy or CARE program provides a monthly discount of 20% on gas and electricity but you have to recertify every few years or so.
"For the CARE program customers need to recertify every two years,” said Moreno. “And about three months prior to the expiration of that we do send customers a letter. You can always check on your bill to see if you are enrolled in the CARE program. It's right there in the left column or you can give us a call to renew."
Donna has been sent the forms to recertify and also qualifies for retroactive discounts on that $8,000.
"There's also another program called FERA which is for families of three or more,” said Moreno. “It actually has a higher income limit so customers who may not qualify for CARE may qualify for FERA. All of these programs offer discounts on customers gas and electric service."
ABC10 is here to help. If you have a problem and don't know where else to turn, email us at OnYourSide@abc10.com.
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