Broader Benefits: PG&E Increases Energy Bill Assistance and Expands REACH Program to Help More Customers
More Qualifying Customers Can Receive Up to a
"We want to ensure more customers have the support they need to get their energy bills back on track," said
"I understand the hardship currently affecting so many residents who are struggling to pay their bills,"
Based on recent customer data,
"Many Fresno residents are already struggling with overdue energy bills and cannot make timely payments. The REACH program offers crucial relief, ensuring that families in some of the highest poverty areas in the nation can stay cool and safe without sacrificing their basic needs," said
Expanded Benefits & How to Apply
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Bill Credit Doubled: The maximum customer bill credit that can be applied to a past-due balance has increased from
$1,000 to$2,000 for REACH and REACH Triple Match (total not higher than customer's past due amount). -
Increased Income Limit: A larger pool of income-eligible customers now qualifies for REACH Triple Match, which provides a 3-to-1 match on customer payments of
$50 or more to further reduce an unpaid balance. For example, a family of four making up to$156,000 /year could qualify for assistance.- Income limits for REACH and REACH Triple Match are set at different thresholds and both use federal income guidelines.
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Past-due Balance Amount: Qualifying customers can now participate in the program regardless of their past due balance, which was previously capped at
$2,000 , and customers on a payment plan are also now eligible. -
Additional Benefits Available for 2024 Recipients
: Qualifying customers who already participated in REACH or REACH Triple Match will be offered the opportunity to participate a second time under the new guidelines, with up to a
$2,000 total benefit available for 2024.
The revised criteria are aimed at helping more customers address high past-due amounts, especially over the hot summer months when energy usage typically peaks. Information on how to apply is online here.
PG&E recently contributed
DEF, a nonprofit entity, administers the funding for the REACH program, operating 170 offices across Northern and
Other Income-Eligible Assistance Programs
- California Alternate Rates for Energy: provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity bills. New federal income eligibility guidelines apply.
- Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) : provides a monthly discount of 18% on electricity for households of three or more people. New federal income eligibility guidelines apply.
- Energy Savings Assistance (ESA): provides energy-savings improvements at no charge. New federal income eligibility guidelines apply.
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Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): a federally funded assistance program overseen by the state that offers a one-time payment up to$1,000 on past due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes.
Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers a lower monthly rate for customers with certain medical conditions.
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