PG&E reminds North Bay customers of options for counteracting wildfire damage
Temporary suspension of bills, support for low-income customers and delayed collections–all of these are among the options the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) are providing its customers hit by the California wildfires last year.
Since the start of the wildfires, those forced out of their homes or business by the disaster have had their bills suspended and their balances brought to zero for any of PG&E’s energy charges on the lost locales. While it’s more complicated with those who use third parties, the company has noted it is working with outside providers to help as well–and for those currently in temporary shelters, PG&E is offering flexible payment plans. Overall, the company is looking to assist affected customers through the end of this year.
“Since the start of the devastating wildfires, our primary focus is – and continues to be – the safety and well-being of customers and communities that have been affected,” Laurie Giammona, PG&E’s senior vice president and chief customer officer at PG&E. “We recognize the hardships you are currently facing and that your PG&E bill is one of the last things on your mind. To help ease your burden, we have established a variety of ways to help as you recover and rebuild.”
PG&E has also announced it will hasten the creation of new accounts and services and waive all costs of either starting or stopping services for those at temporary residences or even future permanent homes. Those dismissed costs include things like security deposits and creation of flexible payment plans.
Deposit returns are being offered where applicable, and the previously mentioned collections protections will last for one year–if they have in fact lost property in the process of the fires. No cost installations and removal of service extensions for temporary power are being provided and PG&E employees will even cut and haul wood debris from customers’ properties in wildfire-stricken areas at no cost. In the latter’s case, they just need to have an inspection done and otherwise apply for the option by Feb. 28.
