PG&E rolls out new expansion of REACH program: how will it help Central Valley customers?

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – With dangerous heat continuing to sweep across the Valley, PG&E is introducing an expansion of its REACH program.

The program is designed to help provide financial assistance to low-and middle-income families. PG&E spokesperson James Smith says the new expansion aims to help families keep costs down, especially this year with multiple days of excessive heat.

“We’ve seen several days that were well over 110 degrees which means people are needing to run their air conditioner more frequently for more hours of the day which increases their overall energy costs,” Smith said.

In addition, Central Valley PG&E customers have dealt with rate hikes in January and in March , burning a large hole in many customers’ wallets in addition to dealing with triple-digit temps.

Price changes are something PG&E customer Marissa Arreguin is frustrated with.

“Everything is increasing, but with the PG&E pricing on top of rent increasing, it’s really a lot. You either have to deal with the heat or have a high PG&E bill, neither of those are good options, so it’s hard,” she said.

Right now, she’s doing everything she can to keep costs down.

“My bill can range anywhere from $200 to $300,” Arreguin said. “[I’ll] unplug literally everything that I can, try and open the windows, use fans, and that’s basically it. Even then it’s still pretty pricey.”

Smith explained part of the reason for the REACH program expansion was to help out, despite the recent price changes.

“Part of the expansion is in response to those rate changes that have taken effect because we know that, particularly with the tiered rate structure that exists, where the more energy that you use, the more expensive it gets as you pass from tier to tier,” Smith said. “This heat is really having an adverse impact on a lot of our customers being able to pay their energy bills, and we wanted to try and identify a program that might provide a little bit of relief to those customers.”

The REACH and REACH Triple Match help qualifying low- to moderate-income customers pay their past-due energy bills and help prevent service disconnections.

Under the new expansion, people can receive up to $2,000 in credit to pay their past-due energy bills. It also includes an increased income limit, allowing more people to become eligible for the company’s REACH Triple Match assistance.

Fresno City Council President Annalisa Perea says she knows the effects of the heat have been difficult to deal with.

“My bill alone quadrupled over the last few months, and so I know others share a similar story,” she said.

She believes the new program will make cooler air accessible for more people.

“This will be a tremendous financial asset for those that are struggling to pay their increased PGE bills,” she explained.

To sign up for the program, click here .

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