If you're a PG&E customer in California struggling to pay your energy bill, the utility's REACH program — and a new $50 million past-due bill relief fund — may help you access meaningful bill credits in 2026. PG&E announced it is increasing the REACH bill credit amount and dedicating $50 million toward helping customers who have fallen behind on payments, making this one of the most significant expansions of utility-funded energy assistance in the state in recent years.

What Is PG&E's REACH Program?

REACH (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help) is a bill assistance program funded by PG&E and administered through the Dollar Energy Fund, a nonprofit organization. It is designed specifically for PG&E customers who are experiencing financial hardship and need help paying their electric or gas bills.

Unlike LIHEAP, which is a federal program administered through California's Department of Community Services and Development (CSD), REACH is a utility-funded program — meaning it operates on its own eligibility rules and application process, separate from state and federal pipelines.

Who May Be Eligible for REACH?

REACH is generally available to PG&E residential customers who:

  • Have an active PG&E account in their name
  • Meet income guidelines (typically at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, though thresholds may vary by household size and program year)
  • Are not currently enrolled in certain other utility discount programs that provide overlapping benefits
  • Have not received REACH assistance within the past 12 months

Benefit amounts vary by household size and income. Because PG&E has announced an increase to the credit amount for 2026, customers who may have received smaller credits in prior years could see more meaningful relief this cycle.

To apply for REACH, contact the Dollar Energy Fund directly at 1-800-683-7664 or visit dollarenergy.org. Applications are typically processed by phone or through community action agencies across PG&E's service territory.

The $50 Million Past-Due Bill Relief Fund: What We Know

Separate from the REACH credit increase, PG&E has announced $50 million in funding directed at customers who have accumulated past-due balances. This is significant because overdue balances are one of the primary reasons households face shutoff notices — and catching up on arrears is often harder than covering a current bill.

Details on how this fund will be distributed are still being finalized, but customers who are behind on their bills should:

  1. Contact PG&E's customer service line directly at 1-800-743-5000 to ask about arrearage management programs and any new relief options tied to this fund.
  2. Ask specifically about REACH Plus or extended payment arrangements — PG&E has historically offered both for customers in hardship situations.
  3. Request a Medical Baseline or CARE/FERA enrollment review if you haven't already — these discount programs reduce your ongoing bill and may make it easier to manage any remaining balance.

Don't Stop at REACH — Layer Federal LIHEAP Assistance Too

One of the most important things to understand is that REACH and LIHEAP are not the same program, and in many cases, households may be able to access both.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federally funded program administered in California by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). It provides heating and cooling assistance, as well as crisis intervention for households facing shutoff. LIHEAP eligibility is generally set at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, though California may extend this to 60% of state median income in some cases.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in California

In California, LIHEAP is delivered through a network of local Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) agencies. To find your local agency:

  • Call 2-1-1 — California's statewide social services helpline, available 24/7
  • Visit the CSD website at csd.ca.gov and use their agency locator
  • Contact your county's social services department directly

LIHEAP funds in California are typically available in heating season (November through March) and cooling season (June through September), but crisis funds may be available year-round for households facing imminent shutoff. Because funds are limited and distributed until exhausted, applying as early as possible in each program window matters.

Documents you'll likely need for LIHEAP: - Proof of identity (government-issued ID) - Proof of address (utility bill or lease) - Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit award letters) - Social Security numbers for household members - Most recent energy bill showing account number

Other Programs PG&E Customers Should Know About

CARE and FERA PG&E's California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program provides a monthly discount of approximately 20–35% on electric and gas bills for income-qualifying households (generally at or below 200% FPL). FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance) provides a smaller discount for households of three or more that don't qualify for CARE. These are ongoing discounts — not one-time credits — and can significantly reduce your monthly bill going forward.

Energy Savings Assistance Program For PG&E customers who own or rent their home and meet income guidelines, the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program may provide free weatherization improvements — things like insulation, weather stripping, and efficient appliances — that reduce energy use and lower bills long-term. This program is administered through PG&E and available at no cost to eligible customers.

What to Do Right Now If You're Behind on Your Bill

If you're facing a shutoff notice or a bill you can't pay, here's the order of steps that may help:

  1. Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and ask about shutoff protections, payment arrangements, and any new 2026 relief funds.
  2. Apply for REACH through Dollar Energy Fund at 1-800-683-7664.
  3. Call 2-1-1 to find your local LIHEAP agency and ask about current application windows.
  4. Enroll in CARE or FERA if you haven't already — this reduces your ongoing bill immediately.
  5. Ask about ESA weatherization services to lower future bills.

Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Last reviewed: May 2026