Up to a $1,000
Bill Credit Available for Income-Eligible Households in
2024
OAKLAND,
Calif., Jan. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort
to support even more customers in paying their energy bills,
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has contributed
$55 million to support the Dollar
Energy Fund, marking an unprecedented expansion of the Relief for
Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) program. The REACH
program helps income-eligible families pay their energy bill
during a crisis, by providing a bill credit for qualifying
customers with unpaid balances to prevent service
disconnections.
The infusion of $55 million will
be implemented in two phases, starting in January 2024. In the first phase, approximately
half of the funding will double the maximum amount of financial
relief available to California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
enrolled or eligible households from up to $500 to up to $1,000. The temporary shift from traditional
REACH assistance guidelines is part of PG&E's commitment
to providing tangible relief for more qualifying customers across
its service area.
Information on the program including how to apply is online
here. The remaining funds will be made available to a larger group
of income-eligible customers later in the year, with details
released in the coming months.
"This time of year, our customers rely more heavily on energy to
heat their homes, which can significantly impact household
finances. This historic assistance marks PG&E's largest
contribution to the REACH program, reinforcing our support for
customers when they need it most," said Vincent Davis, Senior Vice President, Customer
Experience.
Key Program Highlights
- Increased Bill Credit: Income-eligible customers
can receive up to a $1,000 bill
credit, up from up to $500 under
previous REACH guidelines.
- Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have an
active PG&E residential account in their name, with a past due
balance not exceeding $2,000. They
must meet specific income guidelines, have received a shutoff
notice or a past due balance, and have not received REACH funding
within the past 12 months.
Dollar Energy Fund
The Dollar Energy Fund, a nonprofit entity, administers the
funding for the REACH program, operating through 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.dollarenergy.org/MyApp. Applicants can also call
(888) 282-6816 for assistance.
This contribution is funded through PG&E and not customer
rates.
About REACH
The REACH program is sustained year-round through donations from
PG&E employees, shareholders, and customers. It has positively
impacted nearly 32,000 customers since the program was launched in
1983. Over the last six years, it has allocated more than
$9 million to support customers.
Grants are distributed on a first come, first-served basis to
eligible applicants while funding is available.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric
utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000
square miles in Northern and Central
California. For more information,
visit pge.com and pge.com/news
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pge-contributes-55-million-to-expand-reach-program-providing-more-support-to-income-eligible-customers-on-energy-bills-302030195.html
SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company