Some electric utilities offer specialized rate discounts to certain customer groups, such as low income, medical assistance, or disability discounts. These programs can vary widely in their scope and details. Major utility subsidized rate programs are listed below. This list covers most major utilities in which LightReach offers our Energy Plan. However, the list is not exhaustive and other utilities may offer programs of their own.
AZ: Arizona Public Service Electric (APS): Energy Support Program E3
AZ: Tucson Electric Power (TEP): Lifeline, Lifeline/Senior, and LifelineMedical
CA: Southern California Edison (SCE): CARE or FERA
CA: San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E): CARE or FERA
CA: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): CARE or FERA
CA: Sacramento Municipal utility District (SMUD): EAPR Low-Income Assistance
CO: XCEL Electric Affordability Program (EAP)
CT: Eversource: CT Electric Discount (new in 2023)
CT: United Illuminating COmpany CT Electric Discount (new in 2023)
MA: National Grid R-2 Low Income Rate
MA: Eversource A2 or A3 Residential Assistance Rate
MA: Unitil R2 Optional Fuel Assistance Rate
MD: Most major utilities offer MD Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)*
MI: Lansing Board of Water & Light (LBWL) Senior Citizen Electric Service Retail Rate
NH: Eversource Energy Assistance Program R-EAP
NV: Most major utilities offer Energy Assistance Program funded by Universal Energy Charge
NJ: All major investor owned utilities offer Universal Service Fund
NM: Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) Good Neighbor Fund
NY: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Low Income Bill Discount
NY: Consolidated Edison (ConEd) Low Income Program Discount
NY: Orange & Rockland (NY) Low Income Program Discount
NY: PSE&G Long Island Household Assistance Program
NC: Duke Energy Progress (DEP) Customer Assistance Program
NC: Duke Energy Carolina (DEC) Customer Assistance Program
OH: All major investor owned utilities offer OH PIPP Percentage of Income Payment Plan
OR: Portland General Electric Income Qualified Assistance Program
OR: Pacific Power Low Income Discount
PA: All major investor owned utilities offer Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
Ri: Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid) Low Income Rate A-60
VT: Green Mountain Power Electric Assistance Program (EAP)
WA Puget Sound Energy Bill Discount Rate (BDR)
WA Seattle City Light Utility Discount Program
WA Snohomish County PUD 1 Bill Assistance
WA Tacoma Public Utilities Discount Rate & Bill Credit Assistance
WA Peninsula Light Company Low Income Seniors or Low Income Disabled Discount
WA PacifiCorp Low Income Bill Assistance
WI: All major investor owned utilities offer Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
In many cases, homeowners who receive rate discounts from these programs may save less, or not at all, with solar. Homeowners on these types of programs should consider a few things when going solar:
Your Energy Plan Rate
Your Energy Plan Rate: Your LightReach Energy Plan rate is detailed on the summary page of your contract. It should be highlighted prominently by your solar installer. This rate per kWh (or ‘unit of power’) is the price you will pay for 1x kWh from the solar system. In some states, as required by regulations, the Energy Plan contract takes the form of an equipment lease, with set monthly payments. In those states, however, the lease payment amount is still based around expected production of the system.
When reviewing your Energy Plan, it’s important to compare against your current electric bill rate. Bear in mind that annual escalators, or increases, may apply to your Energy Plan as well. Depending on your Energy Plan contract, these escalators may be lower than your electric utility’s annual rate increase, which can vary over time and is influenced by a variety of factors.
Your Discounted Electric Utility Rate
Depending on your electric utility, your bill will typically display your rate per kWh or rate code directly on your bill. This rate per kWh should be compared to your Energy Plan contract. Bear in mind that utility electric rates typically increase over time. Important things to consider include:
Your Electric Utility rate per kWh vs your Energy Plan rate per kWh
Your Electric Utility’s historic rate increases or planned increases
Your goals for going solar, whether they be savings, gaining long term energy stability, or environmental
For example: A homeowner has a $0.15/kWh Electric Utility low income rate
A $0.10/kWh Energy Plan = $0.05/kWh lower than electric utility rate. This homeowner will see immediate savings through their Energy Plan.
A $0.20/kWh Energy Plan = $0.05/kWh higher than electric utility rate. This homeowner may not see immediate savings through their Energy Plan.
Expert Analysis
Need help to review your bill? We offer rate expert analysis for any homeowners participating in subsidized utility rate programs. Send us a copy of your recent bill to [email protected], and we’ll reply with our unbiased analysis.
Your Options
All LightReach customers have a limited right to cancel within 10 days of the contract signing, prior to solar installation. Should you have any questions, you can contact us anytime at [email protected]