SVCE Commits $10 Million to COVID Relief and Resiliency Efforts

Lower rates, special programs target mounting customer and community needs

Sunnyvale, Calif. – Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) has committed $10 million to special programs to support our local communities during the global coronavirus pandemic, and has reduced its electric generation rates while ensuring that all customers continue to receive clean energy during these challenging times.

SVCE is committing $10 million to programs providing relief to customers and communities. The programs are expected to include direct financial support for lower-income customers, resiliency improvements at community and emergency facilities, and supplemental training programs for electrical, plumbing and mechanical workers impacted by shelter-in-place orders. These programs will be further defined by early May.

“This is a difficult time for people around the world, and many in our own community are being negatively affected by COVID-19,” said SVCE Board Chair and Saratoga Mayor Howard Miller. “We must come together and do what we can to help each other through this. SVCE understands that, which is why we are implementing these relief measures for our customers.”

Effective in early May, SVCE will be lowering all electric generation rates to maintain its discount at 4% below PG&E. This reduction means that SVCE customers will not be financially impacted by the 20+% increase in PG&E’s exit fee expected in May. The vote to keep the SVCE generation discount at 4% below PG&E will result in annualized savings of $18 million to the SVCE customer-base, while still providing clean, carbon-free energy.

In addition, SVCE has already halted late payment notices and stopped the practice of returning non-paying customers to PG&E to receive service, until further notice. SVCE is continuing to provide clean energy to all customers, regardless of their current payment status.

In addition, through SVCE’s partnership with PG&E, SVCE customers qualify for the full range of relief programs offered by PG&E which include:

  • Establishment of flexible payment plans
  • Enrollment in CARE or FERA Programs – where qualified households can save 20-35 percent on their energy bill
  • REACH Program – income qualified customers can receive $100 towards bill payment
  • Medical Baseline – qualified customers receive a lower monthly energy rate

For more information or to apply for these programs please contact PG&E at 1-800-7343-5000 or www.pge.com/en_US/about-pge/company-information/protective-protocols/covid19-protections.page. SVCE customers are eligible for these programs.

More information on the programs and how to participate in them can be found at www.svcleanenergy.org/COVID-19.

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About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit community-owned agency serving the majority of Santa Clara County communities, acquiring clean, carbon-free electricity on behalf of more than 270,000 residential and commercial customers. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Member jurisdictions include Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and unincorporated Santa Clara County. SVCE is guided by a Board of Directors, which is comprised of a representative from the governing body of each member community. For more information, please visit SVCleanEnergy.org.

Media Contact
Michaela Pippin
Communications Specialist
O: 408-721-5301 x1020
michaela.pippin@svcleanenergy.org