Pacific Gas and Electric Co. estimates that more than 150,000 additional customers are now eligible for an 18% discount on their electric rate because the Family Electric Rate Assistance program is expanding to include one- and two-person households. Under previous eligibility guidelines, only households with three or more people were eligible.
Eligibility is based on income and household size. For example, a household with one or two people making up to $52,875 a year could qualify for assistance. A complete list of income guidelines and information on how to apply for the monthly discount is here. Customers can also call the FERA program at 1-877-660-6789 or send an email to [email protected].
In 2024, more than 39,000 FERA-enrolled PG&E customers received discounts totaling more than $21 million. Customers saved an average of more than $45 per month on their electric bill. “Expanding the criteria for FERA discounts can provide meaningful savings to more households,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E’s senior vice president, customer experience. “We encourage our customers to apply for the monthly assistance and spread the word to others who may qualify.”
The California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1130 in 2024 revising the eligibility guidelines, which eliminated the three or more person requirement to qualify for FERA. It also requires PG&E and other investor-owned utilities in California to report efforts to enroll customers in the program to the California Public Utilities Commission.
PG&E’s income-eligible assistance programs include the following:
- California Alternate Rates for Energy, which provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity bills. Qualifying income levels are lower than those for the FERA program
- Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help, which offers a one-time bill credit for income-eligible customers of up to $300 based on a past-due balance
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program, which is a federally funded assistance program overseen by the state that offers a one-time payment up to $1,500 on past-due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. Payments may vary by location and funding availability
- Energy Savings Assistance Program, which provides energy-savings improvements at no charge
- Arrearage Management Plan, a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers
Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers a reduction on energy bills for customers who depend on power for certain medical needs.
PG&E also points out that customers can lower their energy bills and save money by building an energy efficiency DIY tool kit. With an investment in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars each year, says the utility.
To explore more ways to manage monthly bills, customers are encouraged to find the best rate plan for their household, use the new savings finder tool, enroll in the budget billing program and visit pge.com/billhelp.
