Watch CBS News

ConsumerWatch: PG&E Rebate Program Still Hitting Snags

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) - More then 266,000 San Francisco and San Mateo residents received a $25 pre-paid debit card from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. for conserving gas this past December, but some customers are still confused on whether the debit card includes extra fees.

San Francisco resident Dorothy Janson said when she tried to use the card she was told to call Citibank and activate the card. Janson also said she later had trouble applying the debit card toward her utility bill because it was being read as a credit card.

According to PG&E spokesperson Joe Molica, the $25 pre-paid debit cards do not need to be activated.

"In this case, she was given incorrect information, said Molica. "As soon as we found out about it we gave her a $25 credit and we really want to apologize."

Molica said the program was supposed to thank customers for cutting back on gas. But he does add, under state law, the debit cards are required to include disclaimers which may be causing confusion among customers and customer service representatives.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.