PG&E has announced that emergency-assistance grants have been increased from $300 to $500 for customers living in the 13 counties affected by the recent cold snap.
PG&E customers in Santa Clara, Kern, Tulare, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Fresno, Monterey, Santa Clara, Madera, Merced, Amador, Stanislaus and Yuba counties who meet certain income status guidelines will be eligible for the REACH Plus program.
Following the Jan. 11-17 freeze, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the 13 counties.
“We realize the most significant impacts are yet to come, that’s why we’ve partnered with the Salvation Army, food banks and other community organizations to help our customers pay their energy bills and put food on the table,” said Ophelia Basgal, PG&E vice president of civic partnership and community initiatives.
To qualify for REACH Plus assistance customers must have a residential account in their name, have not received REACH Plus assistance since October of 2006, and meet REACH Plus program income guidelines.
For more than four decades, REACH (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help) has provided $50 million to more than 400,000 households. Since 1983, the program has been administered by the Salvation Army, providing emergency assistance to low-income families in the form of a credit on their bill.
PG&E will be making up to $100,000 in charitable contributions to food banks that serve the areas impacted by the extreme weather conditions.
In partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission and elected officials, PG&E is also offering qualified citrus growers and other qualified agricultural growers a payment-deferral program to help minimize the impact of this hardship. PG&E is also offering extended payment arrangements to all residential customers, including the agricultural workers as part of the Winter Customer Care Program. Customers should contact PG&E at (800) 743-5000 for assistance.
Details: www.pge.com
