Expanding Access: More PG&E Customers Eligible for 18% Electric Discount Under New Support Program Guidelines

Rhea-AI Summary

PG&E has expanded its Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program to include one- and two-person households, making an estimated 150,000 additional customers eligible for an 18% discount on their electric rates. Previously limited to households of three or more, the program now allows households of 1-2 people making up to $52,875 annually to qualify. This expansion follows Senate Bill 1130 passed in 2024. In 2024, over 39,000 FERA-enrolled customers received discounts totaling more than $21 million, with average monthly savings exceeding $45. The company also offers other assistance programs including CARE (20% discount), REACH (one-time credit up to $300), LIHEAP (up to $1,500 payment), and various energy-saving initiatives.

Positive

• Expansion of FERA program to include 150,000 more eligible customers
• 18% discount on electric rates for qualifying customers
• Successful program implementation with $21 million in discounts distributed in 2024
• Average monthly savings of $45 per customer under FERA program

Negative

• Discount does not apply to gas rates
• Limited to specific income thresholds

Customers are Encouraged to Check Eligibility and Apply for Monthly Electric Discount 

OAKLAND, Calif., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than an estimated 150,000 additional Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers are now eligible for an 18% discount on their electric rate.

The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program is expanding to include one- and two-person households. Under previous eligibility guidelines, only households with three or more people were eligible.

The discount does not apply to gas rates.

Eligibility is based on income and household size. For example, a household with one or two people making up to $52,875 a year could qualify for assistance. A complete list of income guidelines and information on how to apply for the monthly discount is here. Customers can also call the FERA program at 1-877-660-6789 or send an email to CAREandFERA@pge.com.

In 2024, more than 39,000 FERA-enrolled PG&E customers received discounts totaling more than $21 million. Customers saved an average of more than $45 per month on their electric bill.

"Expanding the criteria for FERA discounts can provide meaningful savings to more households," said Vincent Davis, PG&E's Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. "We encourage our customers to apply for the monthly assistance and spread the word to others who may qualify."

The California state legislature passed Senate Bill 1130 in 2024 revising the eligibility guidelines, which eliminated the three or more persons' requirement to qualify for FERA. It also requires PG&E and other investor-owned utilities in California to report efforts to enroll customers in the program to the California Public Utilities Commission.

Income-eligible Assistance Programs

• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity bills. Qualifying income levels are lower than the FERA program.
• Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH): offers a one-time bill credit for income-eligible customers of up to $300 based on a past-due balance.
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): a federally-funded assistance program overseen by the state that offers a one-time payment up to $1,500 on past due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. Payments may vary by location and funding availability.  
• Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA): provides energy-savings improvements at no charge.
• Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers.

Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers a reduction on energy bills for customers who depend on power for certain medical needs.

Energy Efficiency DIY Tool Kit 

Did you know you can lower energy bills and save money by building an Energy Efficiency DIY Tool Kit? With an investment in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars each year.

To explore more ways to manage monthly bills, customers are encouraged to find the best rate plan for their household, use a new Savings Finder tool, enroll in the Budget Billing program, or visit pge.com/billhelp. 

About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news  

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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company

FAQ

What is PG&E's FERA program discount rate in 2025?

PG&E's FERA program offers an 18% discount on electric rates for eligible customers.

Who is newly eligible for PG&E's FERA program in 2025?

One- and two-person households making up to $52,875 annually are now eligible for the FERA program, expanding from the previous requirement of three or more persons.

How much did PCG customers save through FERA in 2024?

In 2024, over 39,000 FERA-enrolled PG&E customers received discounts totaling more than $21 million, averaging over $45 monthly savings per customer.

What other assistance programs does PG&E offer besides FERA?

PG&E offers CARE (20% or more discount), REACH (up to $300 credit), LIHEAP (up to $1,500 payment), Energy Savings Assistance Program, Arrearage Management Plan, and Medical Baseline program.

How can customers apply for PG&E's FERA program?

Customers can apply by calling 1-877-660-6789 or emailing CAREandFERA@pge.com to receive the monthly discount.