#United States #Oakland #Pacific Gas and Electric #REACH Program #Match My Payment

PG&E's Match My Payment Bill-Pay Program Extended

Overview
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced the extension of its Match My Payment Program to assist customers grappling with financial hardships. Launched initially in June 2025, the program's goal is to offer immediate support to low-to moderate-income customers who are struggling to maintain utility payments. Throughout 2025, PG&E has made considerable strides in supporting over 60,000 customers, disbursing nearly $22 million in total assistance.

Key Features of the Program
The Match My Payment Program is designed to match customer payments dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000, specifically for those clients who have past-due energy bills. This enables participants to avoid service disconnection. The funding for this initiative is part of a broader $50 million commitment PG&E has made, emphasizing the company's dedication to community assistance.

Additional Assistance
Besides direct payment matching, eligible customers can also access support through the REACH program, which provides income-qualified households a bill credit of up to $300 based on their overdue amounts. This ensures that those in crisis can receive further aid. Over the year, nearly 22 million dollars has filtered into the hands of needy families, allowing them to maintain essential services.

Community Impact and Geographic Reach
Data shows that Fresno, Kern, and San Joaquin counties have seen the highest levels of aid distributed, accounting for over $9.4 million. PG&E remains committed to understanding and addressing the specific needs of these communities, with the aim of making essential services accessible to all.

Eligibility and Qualification
To participate in the Match My Payment Program, customers need to pay at least $50 toward their outstanding balance of $100 or more. Eligibility is based on federal income guidelines, making assistance more attainable for families. For instance, a family of four with an annual income of less than $128,600 would be eligible, which exceeds the limits for the REACH program.

In 2026, individuals who have received REACH funds will automatically qualify for a maximum of $1,300 by combining help from both programs, thereby maximizing the assistance available. Distribution follows a first-come, first-served basis, with PG&E collaborating with Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) to manage applications effectively.

Broader Support Initiatives
In addition to the aforementioned programs, PG&E offers various assistance options such as:

• - California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): Provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas bills and an average discount of approximately 38% on electricity.
• - Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): Grants an 18% reduction on electricity costs regardless of household size.
• - Energy Savings Assistance (ESA): Free energy-saving improvements to eligible customers.
• - Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): A proactive debt forgiveness plan aimed at residential customers in need.
• - Medical Baseline Program: A reduction in energy bills for medical-dependent customers.

Conclusion
As the Match My Payment Program continues through 2026, PG&E is focused on providing ongoing support to its low-income clientele. As the winter months approach, this initiative aims to deliver crucial financial relief to families struggling to keep up with their energy expenses, ensuring their comfort and safety at home. To discover more about PG&E's assistance programs and their benefits, customers are encouraged to visit pge.com/billhelp.