Discount Programs

Programs That Can Bring Savings to Your Household

San José residents and businesses may be eligible for programs that offer significant savings. Learn more about these programs below and see if you qualify.

GreenValue is SJCE’s new, lowest cost option. Learn more about GreenValue. SJCE also offers SJ Cares, a new discount program for customers enrolled in CARE or FERA financial assistance programs.

Customers can also sign up to receive texts from SJCE with tips on how to save money and updates on new assistance programs. Text SAVINGS to (833) 415-2329 to sign up today.

The California Public Utilities Commission recently voted to extend COVID-19 customer protections through September 30, 2021. This means you are still protected from having your power turned off due to nonpayment.

SJ Cares

SJ Cares is SJCE’s new discount program for customers enrolled in CARE or FERA financial assistance programs. SJ Cares offers these customers greater renewable energy content (55%) at the lowest possible rates. SJCE introduced this program in May 2021 to help increase renewable energy content for all customers. Through SJ Cares, CARE and FERA customers receive GreenSource energy at GreenValue rates.

Customers enrolled in CARE or FERA are automatically enrolled in SJ Cares – no action is needed. Learn more about CARE and FERA eligibility and how to apply below. Once enrolled in CARE or FERA, customers will see updated generation charges on their bill. The effective date will depend on their billing cycle.

SJ Cares customers do not save more by choosing GreenValue; they are already receiving the lowest possible SJCE rates.

Read the program’s Terms and Conditions.

ARREARAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Arrearage Management Plan (AMP)

This new state program is administered by PG&E and offers residential customers debt forgiveness in return for monthly on-time payments. With each on-time payment of current charges, AMP will forgive 1/12 of the eligible debt you owed at the time of enrollment. After 12 on-time payments, your eligible debt will be forgiven up to $8,000 (PG&E and SJCE portion of the bill).

Eligibility

SJCE customers are eligible for this program if they meet the eligibility requirements. You must:

Be enrolled in either the CARE or FERA financial assistance programs,
Owe at least $500 on your gas and electric bill,
Be more than 90 days past due,
Have been a PG&E customer for at least 6 months, and
Have made at least one on-time payment

AMP makes the most sense if you are able to start making on-time payments. Missing more than two payments will lead to removal from the program. California electricity customers are currently protected from power disconnections due to nonpayment through September 30, 2021.

Net energy metering (NEM), master-metered customers, and master-metered customers with sub-metered tenants are currently not eligible to participate in AMP.

How to Enroll

Call PG&E Customer Service at 1-800-743-5000 or visit www.pge.com/amp for more information. Once approved, customers will receive a notification from PG&E confirming enrollment within 1 to 3 business days.

Learn More

AMP FAQ:

Who can participate in AMP?

In order to be eligible for AMP, you must be a residential customer and meet all the following eligibility requirements:

Be enrolled in one of PG&E’s financial assistance programs, CARE or FERA
Owe at least $500 or more on your gas and electric bill, or owe at least $250 or more on your gas bill (applies to gas-only customers)
Be more than 90 days past due
Be a PG&E customer for at least 6 months, and have made at least one on-time payment

Net energy metering (NEM), master-metered customers and master-metered customers with sub-metered tenants are currently not eligible to participate in AMP.

How does AMP work?

With each on-time payment of your current charges, AMP will forgive 1/12 of the eligible debt you owed at the time of enrollment. After twelve on-time payments of your monthly current charges, your eligible debt will be forgiven up to $8,000 (PG&E and SJCE portion of the bill).

Is there a cap or maximum amount eligible for debt forgiveness through AMP?

Yes, the maximum amount eligible for AMP forgiveness in a year is $8,000 (PG&E and SJCE portion of the bill).

Are SJCE customers eligible for AMP?

Yes. As long as residents meet the eligibility requirements, they can participate in AMP.

Can I add new debt to my existing AMP program?

No. Any new charges issued on or after AMP enrollment or reinstatement are your responsibility to pay and cannot be added to your AMP balance.

How many payments are needed to complete the AMP?

Twelve on-time monthly payments are needed to forgive your eligible debt amount, up to $8,000.

What happens if I miss a payment?

You can miss up to two non-sequential payments, as long as you make up the payment on the next billing due date with an on-time payment of both the current bill and the missed payment(s). Missing two sequential payments, or failing to pay the 12th payment, will automatically remove you from AMP.

What happens if I sign up for AMP but then can’t keep up with my regular monthly payments?

If you break the AMP before reaching twelve on-time payments, there is no impact to the debt that has already been forgiven. However, your remaining debt will not be eligible to be forgiven.

Can I sign up again after completing the AMP program?

Once you complete the AMP, you are eligible to sign up again after a 12-month waiting period.

Can I be on another payment plan and enroll in AMP?

Yes, but you can only be on one payment plan at a time. If you qualify for AMP, then your previous payment plan will be replaced by your new AMP agreement.

Can I also participate in the REACH and LIHEAP programs if I am enrolled in AMP?

Yes, you can participate in REACH and LIHEAP. Any financial assistance payments (pledges) from the LIHEAP program would only be applied to current charges while enrolled in AMP.

If I am enrolled in AMP and then enroll in LIHEAP, can I use financial assistance payments from LIHEAP to pay my past-due balance?

No. Your LIHEAP payments will only apply to future energy charges. If you are enrolled in AMP, your LIHEAP payments cannot be applied to any debt amount eligible for AMP debt forgiveness.

MONTHLY DISCOUNT PROGRAMS

California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE)

This State program is administered by PG&E and offers a monthly discount of 30%-35% on electricity and 20% on gas. Customers must qualify through income guidelines or be enrolled in select public assistance programs. Customers must renew eligibility every two years or every four years if customer is on a fixed income. SJCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply and reapply through PG&E. If a customer does not qualify for the CARE program, they may still qualify for the FERA program. Review the income guidelines table below.

Learn More and Apply

View Income Guidelines Table

Number of people in household	CARE	FERA
1-2	$34,840 or less	Not eligible
3	$43,920 or less	$43,921–$54,900
4	$53,000 or less	$53,001–$66,250
5	$62,080 or less	$62,081–$77,600
6	$71,160 or less	$71,161–$88,950
7	$80,240 or less	$80,241–$100,300
8	$89,320 or less	$89,321–$111,650
9	$98,400 or less	$98,401–$123,000
10	$107,480 or less	$107,481–$134,350
Each additional person, add	$9,080	$9,080–$11,350

Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)

This State program is administered by PG&E and offers an 18% discount on electricity only. This discount is specifically for households of three or more people who meet the income guidelines. Customers must renew eligibility every two years. SJCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply through PG&E. Review the income guidelines table below.

Learn More and Apply

View Income Guidelines Table

Number of people in household	CARE	FERA
1-2	$34,840 or less	Not eligible
3	$43,920 or less	$43,921–$54,900
4	$53,000 or less	$53,001–$66,250
5	$62,080 or less	$62,081–$77,600
6	$71,160 or less	$71,161–$88,950
7	$80,240 or less	$80,241–$100,300
8	$89,320 or less	$89,321–$111,650
9	$98,400 or less	$98,401–$123,000
10	$107,480 or less	$107,481–$134,350
Each additional person, add	$9,080	$9,080–$11,350

Medical Baseline Allowance

This State program administered by PG&E is an assistance program for qualifying residential customers who have medical conditions that require special energy needs. Residents that qualify for Medical Baseline may receive an allowance of approximately 500 kWh of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas at the lowest rate each month based on medical condition and/or medical device. This year, customers applying for the program do not need a doctor’s signature. SJCE customers are eligible for Medical Baseline and must apply and reapply through PG&E.

Learn More and Apply

ONE-TIME BILL ASSISTANCE

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This federally funded program administered through Sacred Heart Community Service offers assistance to eligible low-income households (renters and homeowners) with paying utility bills, weatherizing their home, and making energy-related home repairs. LIHEAP offers a one-time credit to eligible households’ utility bill every calendar year. For 2021, that credit amount ranges between $269 and $413. This is a non-emergency program as it may take about 6-8 weeks for payment to be awarded. Customers must apply through Sacred Heart.

Learn More and Apply

Relief for Energy Assistance Through Community Help (REACH)

This donation program administered by the non-profit Dollar Energy Fund gives income-qualified customers financial assistance during times of hardship. REACH provides a one-time energy credit each year for up to $300 based on a past due bill (energy credit support is subject to funding availability). To qualify, customers must have received either a 15-day or a 48-hour disconnection notice and customer income must not exceed the REACH income guidelines (same as CARE guidelines). Customers must apply through PG&E.

Learn More and Apply

LEARN MORE

Learn more by viewing our presentation slides or watching our virtual presentation:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Critical Home Repair Program

This program provides replacement and repairs of critical home equipment it be roofing, heating, water heaters, critical plumbing and critical electrical.

Income-eligible owner-occupied properties (Single Family or Mobile Homes) are eligible for critical home repairs that, if not corrected, would make the home uninhabitable.

Learn More and Apply

Energy Savings Assistance Program

This program, which is paid for by ratepayer funds through the Public Purpose Program charge, provides income-eligible customers with free energy savings improvements. Income eligibility follows the same guidelines as those for CARE. Improvements can include replacing your refrigerator, repairing or replacing your furnace or water heater and installing insulation, weatherproofing, energy-efficient light bulbs, caulking, low-flow showerheads and more.

Learn More and Apply

BUYING OR LEASING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Driving Clean Assistance Program

This program provides families with low interest financing for electric vehicles. Must have a valid CA Driver’s License, must be 18 years or older, ability to repay loan and cover expenses, verifiable income (to 400% of poverty level), Not currently in or filing for bankruptcy.

Learn More and Apply

Clean Vehicle Assistance Program

The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provides grants and affordable financing to help income-qualified Californians purchase a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle. This grant program is for California residents who meet the income threshold.

Learn More and Apply

Clean Cars for All

Grid Alternatives provides incentives for low-income Bay Area residents in communities disproportionately burdened by sources of pollution to retire their older vehicle and replace it with a hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or battery electric vehicle, or to get a Clipper Card for public transit. If you live in Bay Area, your household income falls within one of the specified income brackets, have a model car from 2006 or older, or a new applicant to a vehicle replacement grant program.

Learn More and Apply

Monthly Discount Programs FAQ:

Will I still receive my CARE, FERA or Medical Baseline discounts with SJCE?

Yes. CARE, FERA and Medical Baseline are available to SJCE customers, as well as PG&E customers, and provide the same discount regardless of which provider you use. Customers enrolled in SJCE automatically continue to receive their CARE, FERA and Medical Baseline discount within their PG&E delivery charges; there is no need to reapply. New CARE, FERA and Medical Baseline enrollments or renewals must still be done through PG&E’s customer service center or website, as usual.

What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE)?

This State program is administered by PG&E and offers a monthly discount of 30%-35% on electricity and 20% on gas. Customers must qualify through income guidelines or be enrolled in select public assistance programs. SJCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply and reapply through PG&E.

Do I need to renew eligibility for CARE discount?

Customers must renew eligibility every two years or every four years if customer is on a fixed income.

Do I need to provide proof of income?

When applying you do not have to provide proof of income. However, at a later date you may be selected at random to provide proof of income.

I recently lost my job, do I qualify for CARE?

If you have recently lost your job, even if you’re receiving unemployment benefits, you may qualify for the CARE program.

What if I don’t qualify for CARE?

If a customer does not qualify for the CARE program, they may still qualify for the FERA program.

What is the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)?

This State program is administered by PG&E and offers an 18% discount on electricity only. This discount is specifically for households of three or more people who meet the income guidelines.

Do I need to renew eligibility for FERA discount?

Customers must renew eligibility every two years. You will receive a letter and application from PG&E three months before the discount expires. If you still qualify under the income guidelines at that time, you can reapply.

Do I need to provide proof of income?

When applying you do not have to provide proof of income. However, at a later date you may be selected at random to provide proof of income.

I recently lost my job, do I qualify for FERA?

If you have recently lost your job, even if you’re receiving unemployment benefits, you may qualify for the FERA program.

When will the discount show on my bill?

The CARE discount shows up on your next bill.

Do I need to sign up for SJ Cares?

No. If you are a CARE or FERA customer, you will be automatically enrolled in SJ Cares – no action is needed. Please allow up to one month after enrolling in CARE or FERA to see SJ Cares on the SJCE portion of your bill.

If you are not a CARE or FERA customer and don’t qualify for SJ Cares, GreenValue may be a good option for you. GreenValue is our lowest cost option for customers not enrolled in SJ Cares.

What is the Medical Baseline Allowance?

This State program administered by PG&E is an assistance program for qualifying residential customers who have medical conditions that require special energy needs. Residents that qualify for Medical Baseline may receive an allowance of approximately 500 kWh of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas at the lowest rate each month based on medical condition and/or medical device.

How do I qualify for Medical Baseline?

You can qualify by completing the online application on the PG&E website or filling out the “Medical Baseline Allowance” application form and sending it to the address below. Due to COVID-19 shelter-in-place requirements and changing medical practitioner priorities, customers applying for the program do not need a doctor’s signature. SJCE customers are eligible for Medical Baseline and must apply and reapply through PG&E.

Address:
PG&E
Attention: Medical Baseline
P.O. Box 8329
Stockton, CA 95208

How long does the Medical Baseline Allowance last?

Customers must re-certify after 1 year. Prior to your one year re-certification, PG&E will send reminder notifications to enrolled customers including updates about whether a qualified medical practitioner signature will be needed to re-certify.

What are some examples of qualifying medical conditions?

Paraplegic, hemiplegic or quadriplegic condition
Multiple sclerosis with special heating and/or cooling needs
Scleroderma with special heating needs
Life-threatening illness or compromised immune system, and special heating and/or cooling are needed to sustain life or prevent medical deterioration
Asthma and/or sleep apnea

What are some examples of qualifying devices?

Motorized wheelchair/scooter
IPPB or CPAP machines
Respirator (all types)
Hemodialysis machine
Iron lung

Programs That Can Bring Savings to Your Household

The California Public Utilities Commission recently voted to extend COVID-19 customer protections through September 30, 2021. This means you are still protected from having your power turned off due to nonpayment.

SJ Cares

ARREARAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Arrearage Management Plan (AMP)

AMP FAQ:

MONTHLY DISCOUNT PROGRAMS

California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE)

Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)

Medical Baseline Allowance

ONE-TIME BILL ASSISTANCE

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Relief for Energy Assistance Through Community Help (REACH)

LEARN MORE

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Critical Home Repair Program

Energy Savings Assistance Program

BUYING OR LEASING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Driving Clean Assistance Program

Clean Vehicle Assistance Program

Clean Cars for All

Monthly Discount Programs FAQ:

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