ConsumerWatch: No Strings Attached For PG&E Reward
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) - San Francisco and San Mateo residents who received a $25 prepaid debit card as reward from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. don't have to worry about any fees associated with the promotion, despite what they may find in the small print.
Debit cards were issued as a reward for cutting back on gas usage in December. Many of the customers who earned the bonus are concerned about the flyer that comes with the Citibank issued card, which indicates there's a $3 monthly service charge, a $15 over the limit fee, and a $6.95 replacement fee for lost cards.
According to PG&E spokesperson Joe Molica, customers will not be charged any fees despite the fee disclaimer. Molica said it's a standard disclaimer which Citibank has to include in the mailer.
"We are sorry for all the fine print that these cards came with may have confused some folks," he said. The prepaid debt cards expire in six months to avoid any fees.
More then 266,000 residents have received a prepaid debt card. Consumers who notice a charge or lose the card should contact PG&E directly said Molica.
As for consumers who choose to apply the $25 toward their utility bill, Molica said a pay by phone fee will be reimbursed. Molica also added that the gift card rebate program is different than the winter gas savings program, where PG&E usually deducts the rebate directly from the utility bill.
(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved.)
