PG&E Extends Its Ongoing Support to Customers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic Through End of June

Rhea-AI Summary

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PCG) is extending its COVID-19 customer protections until June 30, 2021, after a vote by the California Public Utilities Commission. These measures include a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment and waived security deposits for small commercial customers. PG&E continues to assist customers facing economic difficulties through flexible payment plans and various financial assistance programs. To date, PG&E has successfully connected with over 42,000 customers to help them save more than $5 million by adjusting their rates.

Positive

• Extension of COVID-19 customer protections until June 30, 2021.
• Moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment supports vulnerable customers.
• Waiving security deposits for small commercial customers.
• Proactive outreach to over 200,000 customers, identifying more than $5 million in savings.

Negative

• None.

In response to the ongoing economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) said today it will extend the existing COVID-19 customer protections through June 30, 2021. The protections were set to expire on April 16.

This comes after a vote by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) earlier today.

“For nearly a year now, we have supported our customers through unimaginable health and economic circumstances. We believe extending these customer protections like stopping service disconnections for non-payment through June ensures our customers, especially the most vulnerable, have access to safe and reliable power during this challenging time,” said Laurie Giammona, PG&E’s Chief Customer Officer and a Senior Vice President. “We are here to help so please reach out if you need support.”

PG&E Customer Protections through June 30, 2021:

• Moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment for residential and small business customers;
• Post-enrollment verification and re-enrollment requirements have been paused for the California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program (FERA);
• Security deposits are being waived for small commercial customers (residential customers are not required to submit security deposits);
• Customers on the Medical Baseline program offering customers with qualifying medical conditions a lower monthly rate on energy bills are not being asked to re-certify through a doctor or other eligible medical professionals for up to one year.

Additional Billing and Service Modifications

PG&E understands many of its customers are facing economic challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. PG&E is here to help with:

• Flexible payment plans for customers to schedule payment over several months to help address temporary financial strains.
• Budget Billing to help avoid or manage unanticipated high bills.
• Customer online support through their PG&E online account to monitor energy use and check or compare rate plans.

Financial Assistance for Residential Customers

To take advantage of tools and savings opportunities, PG&E recommends customers become more familiar with the following:

• Separate from CARE, income-qualified households with three or more persons can apply for the FERA at pge.com/FERA for an 18% discount on their electric bill.
• Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) provides income- qualified customers with financial assistance during times of hardship. The program is funded through tax-deductible contributions from PG&E customers and employees. To help those in need of energy assistance, click here to donate.
• The federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to help offset eligible household energy costs, including heating, cooling and home weatherization expenses. To learn more, dial 211 or (866) 675-6623 for LIHEAP income guidelines and a list of participating agencies.

As some of the financial protections expire in the coming months PG&E continues to help customers manage their bills and enroll in eligible financial assistance programs. PG&E began proactively calling customers last year to ensure they were aware of resources to support their specific needs. To date, PG&E’s Customer Advocacy Success Team has connected with more than 42,000 customers, enrolling 51% of them in financial assistance programs and identifying more than $5 million in savings for customers by changing their rate. In all, PG&E has proactively reached out to more than 200,000 customers to help them manage their bills.

For customers interested in learning more about the financial assistance and bill payment options visit pge.com/billhelp.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people 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/20210211005962/en/

FAQ

What are the COVID-19 customer protections extended by PCG?

PCG has extended COVID-19 customer protections, including a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment and waived security deposits for small commercial customers, until June 30, 2021.

How long will PCG extend customer protections related to COVID-19?

PCG will extend these protections through June 30, 2021, following a vote by the California Public Utilities Commission.

How many customers has PCG reached out to for financial assistance?

PCG has proactively reached out to over 200,000 customers to help them manage their bills and enroll in financial assistance programs.

What savings opportunities has PCG provided to customers?

PCG has identified over $5 million in savings by adjusting rates for customers through their outreach efforts.