23/07/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 23/07/2024 19:56
More Qualifying Customers Can Receive Up to a $2,000 Bill Credit Under New Guidelines
To provide additional financial assistance to more households with past-due energy bills, PG&E is modifying guidelines mid-year for the Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) program. REACH and REACH Triple Match help qualifying low- to moderate-income customers pay their past-due energy bill and help prevent service disconnections.
"We want to ensure more customers have the support they need to get their energy bills back on track," said Vincent Davis, PG&E Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. "With a more robust bill credit and broader income eligibility, we can provide greater financial relief to the households that need it most."
Based on recent customer data, PG&E anticipates approximately 65,000 more customers can qualify for REACH and REACH Triple Match assistance under the new guidelines.
PG&E has provided more than $17.2 million in financial assistance to more than 25,000 income-eligible customers through REACH and REACH Triple Match since January.
Expanded Benefits & How to Apply
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.
Dollar Energy Fund
PG&E recently contributed $55 million to support the nonprofit Dollar Energy Fund (DEF), marking an expansion of the REACH program. This contribution is funded through PG&E and not customer rates. DEF operates separately from PG&E.
DEF, a nonprofit entity, administers the funding for the REACH program, operating 170 offices across Northern and Central California. PG&E customers, including those in need of in-language support or help with their applications, can contact an agency in their county or apply online at www.hardshiptools.org/MyApp. Applicants can also call 1-800-933-9677 for assistance.
Other Income-Eligible Assistance Programs
PG&E has other assistance programs to help income-eligible customers pay their energy bills:
Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers a lower monthly rate for customers with certain medical conditions.