Financial Assistance

If You’re Late with Electricity Bill Payments

With each on-time payment of current charges, AMP will forgive 1/12 of the eligible debt you owed at the time of enrollment. When you have made 12 on-time payments, your eligible debt will be forgiven up to a maximum amount of $8,000.

Eligibility Requirements:

Valley Clean Energy (VCE) customers are eligible if they:

1. Are enrolled in the CARE or FERA financial assistance program – if you are not currently enrolled in CARE or FERA, it only takes a few minutes to sign up, and eligibility is based on current earnings and not past income.
2. Owe at least $500 on combined gas/electric bill
3. Are more than 90 days past due in payments
4. Have been a VCE customer for at least 6 months
5. Have made at least one on-time payment

Net Energy Metering (NEM) customers are not currently eligible to participate in AMP.

How to Enroll:

Call PG&E Customer Service at 1-800-743-5000 or visit www.pge.com/amp for more information. Customers will receive notification from PG&E to confirm enrollment within 1-3 business days, if approved.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

One-time emergency financial assistance and cash grants may be offered as part of LIHEAP to help pay utility bills if you have already received a 24- or 48-hour service termination, or a disconnection notice. Eligibility can also be considered for a household facing an energy-related crisis or life-threatening emergency.

Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH)

To qualify, customers must have received either a 15-day or 48-hour disconnection notice and customer income must not exceed the REACH income guidelines (same as CARE guidelines). Energy credit support is subject to funding availability.

California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE)

Customers must renew eligibility every two years or every four years if you’re on a fixed income. Signing up only takes a few minutes, and current earnings (not past income) are considered for eligibility. VCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply or reapply through PG&E. If a customer does not qualify for the CARE program, they may still qualify for the FERA program. Review the income guidelines table below.

Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)

Customers must renew eligibility every two years. VCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply through PG&E. Review the income guidelines table below.

Medical Baseline Allowance

Residents that qualify for Medical Baseline receive an allowance of discounted electricity every month. The discount allows approximately 500 kWh of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas at the lowest rate each month based on the customer’s medical condition and/or medical device. This year, customers applying for the program do not need a doctor’s signature so it’s easier than ever to apply. Additionally, devices that you may not expect could qualify, including some CPAP machines for sleep apnea. VCE customers eligible for Medical Baseline must apply or reapply through PG&E.

Energy Savings Assistance Program

Improvements can include replacing your refrigerator, repairing or replacing your furnace or water heater and installing insulation, weatherproofing, energy efficient light bulbs, caulking, low-flow showerheads and more. Income eligibility follows the same guidelines as those for CARE.

Driving Clean Assistance Program

Applicants must:

● have a valid California driver’s license
● be 18 years of age or older
● have the ability to repay loans and cover expenses
● have verifiable income (up to 400% of poverty level)
● not be currently in or planning to file for bankruptcy

Clean Vehicle Assistance Program

California residents who meet the income threshold may qualify for this grant program.

CA Emergency Rental Assistance Program

This program is available to households with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.

90-Day Grace Period for Mortgages

The forbearance agreements require that the full amount that was suspended or reduced be repaid in full, in addition to resuming regular payments.

Internet Subsidy

The program will also provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.

To be eligible, at least one member of the household must meet one of the following criteria:

● Qualify for the FCC’s Lifeline program, including those that are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits.
● Receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program.
● Has lost a job and seen income reduced in the last year.
● Has received a Federal Pell Grant.

Payment Arrangement Plans

Spread your existing balance out over several months.

Arrearange Management Plan(AMP)

Not available for sub-metered customers; must make 12 months of full payments; up to 2 missing payment allowed, if not consecutive.