Give the Gift of Energy to Those in Need this Holiday Season

Rhea-AI Summary

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has contributed $325,000 to support the REACH program, which assists customers struggling to pay energy bills. Over the past five years, PG&E has donated over $2 million to the program. With the current funding, REACH aims to help vulnerable customers in Northern and Central California, having disbursed approximately $4.3 million in grants since 2017. Customers can also make donations via their bills to further aid the program.

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• PG&E donated $325,000 to the REACH program to assist customers with energy bills.
• In the last five years, PG&E has contributed over $2 million to the REACH program.
• The REACH program has provided around $4.3 million in grants, benefiting approximately 16,000 customers since 2017.

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REACH Donation Helps Pay Past Due Energy Bills for Qualifying Customers

PG&E Contributes $325,000 to REACH

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This holiday season, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers can get into the giving spirit by making a tax-deductible donation to the Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) program. The REACH program provides financial assistance of up to $300 for customers struggling to pay past due energy bills.

To help households who are struggling to pay their energy bills, PG&E announced today it is contributing $325,000 to the Dollar Energy Fund in support of the program. The charitable contribution is made with funds from PG&E shareholders, not customers. In the last five years, PG&E has committed more than two million dollars to the REACH program to help vulnerable customers and communities including an additional $500,000 earlier this year.

Even with the PG&E contribution, the REACH program needs additional support to assist Northern and Central California’s most vulnerable, and anyone can help. The year-round program is funded through donations from customers, PG&E employees, and shareholders. Thousands of customers have benefitted from the program. Since 2017, approximately 16,000 grants totaling more than $4.3 million have been provided to PG&E customers in need. Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis while funding is available.

“With the rising costs of goods and services, we understand many of our customers are facing financial hardship. A one-time donation or monthly fixed donation amount on your bill can help families in need throughout the year. The program relies on the generosity of donors, and we are grateful to those who provide critical support for the communities we serve,” said Marlene Santos, PG&E Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.

Customers can pledge an itemized donation each month on their PG&E bill or make a one-time donation.

Customers may be eligible for the program if they:

• Have had a residential account with PG&E in the name of an adult living in the household;
• Have not received REACH assistance within the past 12 months;
• Meet REACH income guidelines, which are currently 200 percent above the federal poverty guidelines and
• Have received either a 15-day or a 48-hour disconnection notice.

For information on additional financial assistance programs and ways to save energy this winter visit pge.com/winter.

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 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221213005985/en/

MEDIA RELATIONS:

415-973-5930

Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

FAQ

What is the purpose of PG&E's $325,000 donation to REACH?

The $325,000 donation supports the REACH program, which provides financial aid to customers struggling with past due energy bills.

How much has PG&E contributed to the REACH program in the last five years?

PG&E has contributed over $2 million to the REACH program in the last five years.

What is the total amount of grants provided through the REACH program since 2017?

Since 2017, approximately $4.3 million in grants have been provided to customers through the REACH program.

Who can benefit from the REACH program?

Customers who have had a residential account with PG&E, have not received REACH assistance in the past 12 months, and meet specific income guidelines can benefit from the program.

How can customers contribute to the REACH program?

Customers can make one-time donations or pledge monthly donations through their PG&E bill to help fund the REACH program.