Pacific Gas and Electric is holding two workshops this week in Fresno for customers struggling to pay their utility bills and needing help.

More customers, including those with moderate incomes, are now eligible for assistance through two REACH (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help) programs, to which PG&E has contributed $55 million that the company says does not come from customers’ rates.

The REACH program is available for low-income households. For a family of four, that’s an annual income of $62,400 or less. Applicants may receive an energy credit of up to $2,000 based on the past-due balance.

The REACH Triple Match program is available for low- to moderate-income households. For a family of four, that’s an annual income of $62,401 to $156,000. Applicants are required to pay $50 toward the past-due balance to receive a triple-matching grant of up to $2,000.

This week’s workshops in Fresno will be held at Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and at the VFW Post 8900, 3585 N. Blythe Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Residents need to bring a government-issued ID, proof of income for the past 30 days, and a PG&E bill.

Fresno City Council President Annalisa Perea is hosting the workshops.

More Assistance for Struggling Customers

PG&E modified the REACH guidelines mid-year to provide additional financial assistance to customers struggling with past-due bills.

According to a recent article in PG&E’s Currents publication, the company estimates about 65,000 more customers can qualify for the two REACH programs under the new guidelines.

“We want to ensure more customers have the support they need to get their energy bills back on track,” Vincent Davis, PG&E senior vice president, Customer Experience, said in Currents. “With a more robust bill credit and broader income eligibility, we can provide greater financial relief to the households that need it most.”

Since January, more than 3,500 applications have been approved in Fresno County, resulting in more than $2 million in financial assistance, the highest amount in PG&E’s service territory.

Customers who do not seek assistance and whose bills go unpaid run the risk of a service disconnection.