Having trouble paying your PG&E bill? Workshops in Fresno can help

Pacific Gas and Electric is hosting two workshops this week in Fresno for customers who are having trouble paying their electric bills and need assistance.

This week's workshops in Fresno will be held Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Ave., and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at VFW Post 8900, 3585 N. Blythe Ave.

More customers, including those on moderate incomes, are now eligible for assistance through two REACH (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help) programs, to which PG&E has contributed $55 million that the company says does not come from customers' rates.

The REACH program is available to low-income households. For a family of four, that equates to an annual income of $62,400 or less. Applicants can receive an energy credit of up to $2,000, depending on the past-due balance.

The REACH Triple Match program is available to low- to moderate-income households. For a family of four, that equates to annual incomes of $62,401 to $156,000. Applicants must pay $50 on the past-due balance to receive a triple match of up to $2,000.

This week's workshops in Fresno will be held Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Ave., and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at VFW Post 8900, 3585 N. Blythe Ave.

Residents must bring a government-issued ID, proof of income for the past 30 days, and a PG&E bill.

The workshops will be hosted by Fresno City Council President Annalisa Perea.

More support for customers in difficulty

PG&E changed its REACH policies mid-year to provide additional financial assistance to customers with past-due bills.

Since January, more than 3,500 applications have been approved in Fresno County, resulting in more than $2 million in financial assistance, the highest amount in PG&E's service area.

According to a recent article in PG&E's Currents publication, the company estimates that about 65,000 additional customers could qualify for the two REACH programs under the new rules.

“We want to ensure more customers get the support they need to get their energy bills back under control,” Vincent Davis, PG&E's senior vice president of customer experience, said in Currents. “With a more robust bill credit and broader income eligibility, we can provide greater financial relief to households that need it most.”

Since January, more than 3,500 applications have been approved in Fresno County, resulting in more than $2 million in financial assistance, the highest amount in PG&E's service area.

Customers who do not seek help and whose bills are not paid are at risk of having their care withdrawn.