PG&E has increased rates for all customers to support their poles and wires (T&D). This affects Pioneer and non-Pioneer customers equally – everyone’s rates will go up the exact same dollar amount.
Don’t be misled. We guarantee that Pioneer’s savings over PG&E have not changed. Calculate your savings in El Dorado and Placer County.

Pioneer Customers Can Take Advantage of Electric Rate Discounts

Multi-generational family

Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) reminds customers on fixed and low incomes that two programs could help save them money on their electricity bills.

The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs provide discounts on customers’ bills for those who qualify. CARE customers save 30-35% on their total bill, and FERA customers receive a rate reduction. This is in addition to the current 6% savings Pioneer residential customers save on electric generation.

More than 10,000 Pioneer customers have already taken advantage of the CARE and FERA programs. The California Public Utilities Commission funds CARE and FERA through fees that all electricity and gas users pay. These programs are available to all customers, regardless of who provides the customer’s electricity.

To see if you are eligible for CARE or FERA benefits, visit

Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) reminds customers on fixed and low incomes that two programs could help save them money on their electricity bills.

The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs provide discounts on customers’ bills for those who qualify. CARE customers save 30-35% on their total bill, and FERA customers receive a rate reduction. This is in addition to the current 6% savings Pioneer residential customers save on electric generation.

More than 10,000 Pioneer customers have already taken advantage of the CARE and FERA programs. The California Public Utilities Commission funds CARE and FERA through fees that all electricity and gas users pay. These programs are available to all customers, regardless of who provides the customer’s electricity.

To see if you are eligible for CARE or FERA benefits, visit https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/bill-assistance-residents/

More News from Pioneer

More News from Pioneer

Solar Customers Receive Annual True-Up

Pioneer issued checks to solar customers with a cumulative net surplus of energy (known as Net Surplus Generators) during May for the March/April billing period if their credit balance (calculated at the Net Surplus Compensation Rate) for the past 12 months exceeded $25.00. Credit balances of less than $25.00 were rolled forward and applied to the next bill.

A few of our clients have contacted us to confirm the check’s authenticity. Rest assured, it is indeed real! If you receive a Blue or Orange check from Bill.com with a reference to Pioneer, it is safe to deposit. 

We take pride in helping our solar customers save; Pioneer pays $.005 (1/2 cent) per kWh more than PG&E for any over-production sold back to the grid (Net Surplus Compensation Rate or NSC).Â