Electric Utility Hardship Deferment Plan

SB 636 establishes an Electric Utility Hardship Deferment Plan to provide financial relief for California ratepayers facing unexpected hardships. Under this bill, eligible residents experiencing job loss, medical expenses, funeral costs, or major home repairs can defer up to six months of utility payments (up to $8,000) without the risk of disconnection. During the deferment period, customers are automatically enrolled in an existing repayment plan to help them manage their bills. With energy costs rising and thousands of California residents facing service disconnections each year, SB 636 offers a critical safety net to keep vulnerable households connected to essential utilities.