Reducing your energy costs
April 2, 2024 | News/Media
Did you know that PSE customers can not only receive an annual energy benefit, but can also now apply for a bill discount?
MSC continues to provide energy assistance through both the federal LIHEAP program and the PSE HELP program to an average of 9,000 households annually. This year PSE also introduced their Bill Discount Rate (BDR) program to help households with energy costs.
The BDR program provides an automatic discount on every bill for PSE customers who meet the eligibility requirements. Customers can save 5% to 45% on the energy service charge portion of their bill.
Eligibility for the BDR program is based on your household’s gross monthly income, number of people in your household, and where you reside. To qualify, your household income needs to be 80% or less of area median income (AMI) in the county you live in.
When PSE customers complete their energy assistance appointment at MSC, they will automatically be signed up for PSE’s BDR program.
Customers can also directly sign up for the BDR program on PSE’s website at pse.com. When you sign up on PSE’s website, your information will automatically be sent to MSC to receive a benefit from PSE HELP as well.
It can take six to eight weeks for your bill discount and energy assistance benefit to reflect on your energy bill.
A small percentage of customers enrolled in the BDR program will be asked to provide proof of household income to ensure that only qualified customers are receiving the benefit of the program. If asked for verification you will need to provide that within 90 days. You will also need to apply for PSE’s BDR program annually.
Customers should note that they will still need to make an appointment with MSC to receive LIHEAP assistance.
In addition, customers will need to have a completed LIHEAP assistance appointment with MSC and have received a LIHEAP benefit after October 1, 2023, to be eligible to receive a portable air conditioning unit through MSC.
A limited number of applications for AC units are accepted daily through MSC’s website. If applicants meet all the requirements, an AC unit will be sent directly to their home. Households may only receive one AC unit and must not have received an AC unit previously.
As a reminder, customers do not need to have a shut-off notice or past due balance to take advantage of these energy assistance programs. Anyone who meets the income and geographic requirements on our website can apply for energy assistance through MSC.
Looking for other ways to reduce your energy bill? PSE also offers a weatherization program. More info is available on their website at pse.com.