Solutions for Bill Savings and Services

PG&E Energy Savings Assistance Program:

Provides income-qualified renters and homeowners with free solutions to help manage their energy use and save money on their monthly energy bill. Providing energy-efficient appliances, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, minor home repairs, caulking, showerheads, replacement of your old refrigerator, furnace, water heater, and more.

CARE PROGRAM:

Providing education and assisting income-qualified consumers with applying for monthly discounts on energy bills up to 20% from PG&E.

REACH PROGRAM:

It is administered by Dollar Energy Fund to assist eligible utility customers with their Pacific Gas and Electric bills. Customers may be eligible to receive a one-time grant that is applied directly to their utility bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

REQUIRED PAYMENT:

Applicants must have paid the past due balance down to a maximum assistance amount of $300 or less on their Pacific Gas and Electric account. Any past due amount above $300 on their bill can be paid by the customer or can be pledged from a Community Based Organizati

BALANCE REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their Pacific Gas and Electric bill of at least $100. Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, must have an outstanding balance of at least $50.

MAXIMUM GRANT:

The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $300. Applicants can only receive a grant once every 12 months. Grants can only be used to pay past due amounts. Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis. If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

Customers enrolled in the CAP are eligible to apply for a hardship grant. Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only,” commercial, industrial or apartments with shared utility service. Accounts that are Section 8 or Government Subsidized housing may be eligible. Name on the account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.

Income-eligible clients must apply for all federally-funded programs when those programs are open. All applicants must provide verification of income.

Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.

Grants cannot be used to pay on closed accounts or transferred balances. Other service providers like CCA customer balances are not eligible for the REACH program. REACH can only pay for the PG&E portion. According to the rules, “When determining what to pay, only include the PG&E portion of the bill. Other service provider balances should be viewed like reconnection fees or deposits – they are the responsibility of the customer.”

INCOME GUIDELINES:

Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for our programs.

HOW TO APPLY:

The best way to start seeking help is by contacting the REACH Program at 1-800-933-9677.

The REACH Program also partners with a network of Community-Based Organizations. These dedicated agencies provide application intake services for clients. After speaking with a representative, you may be referred to an agency in your area. This agency will complete your application for assistance. Find more information on the PG&E website, www.pge.com.