PSE’s Bill Discount Rate
Our Bill Discount Rate (BDR) program provides you with ongoing help on your monthly energy bill. Depending on your household income and household size, you can save 5% to 45% a month on your bill.
There is one simple application to fill out. In most cases, no proof of income is required to apply. And the application only takes a few minutes to complete online. If you’ve received energy assistance in the past, it’s likely you qualify.
If you have already applied you can view your application status.
See if you're eligible!
Find out if you qualify before applying. Just provide your household's gross monthly income, number of people in your household and the county where you live. After learning your preliminary status, complete the online application below.
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Learn more about our income guidelines
Enrollment is available to qualifying residential PSE customers. Eligibility is based on your household’s gross monthly income (income before any deductions or taxes), 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.
What’s Income
Alimony/Child Support
Annuities
Capital gains
Dividends
Earned wages/salary
Foster care payments
Military pay
Pensions
Rental income/Royalties
Self-employment income (after expenses)
Social Security
Social Security Disability (SSDI)
Student Aid/Scholarships
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
UnemploymentWhat’s not income
Energy Assistance
Income for people in high school or under 18
Income tax refunds/credits
One-time cash gifts
Reverse mortgage
Section 8 or housing subsidies
WIC benefitsIf you have any questions about calculating your income, requirements of the program, or need help applying, email us at billdiscount@pse.com or give us a call at 888-225-5773. We’re here to help.
Additional financial assistance
You may also qualify for additional assistance programs. In fact, by applying for Bill Discount Rate, we will automatically start an application for HELP, our bill assistance program.
Both Bill Discount Rate and HELP provide significant discounts to customers who qualify, based on their household size and income. A single application takes two minutes to complete. No additional documentation is required. To complete your HELP application, contact your local county agency.
Frequently asked questions
What does PSE do with my income and household information?
Your information is protected. We only use your income and household information to verify that you’re eligible for the program.
Will being on a Bill Discount Rate impact my ability to receive additional energy assistance?
No. In fact, by applying for Bill Discount Rate, an application will automatically be created for you, applying for our HELP assistance program. To apply for LIHEAP you will need to contact your local community agency.
What is the verification process and why was I selected to prove I am eligible?
We will ask a small percentage of customers enrolled to provide proof of household income to ensure that only qualified customers are receiving the benefit of the Bill Discount Rate program. Customers who are selected for verification have 90 days to prove their eligibility for the program.
What happens after signing up?
- Once you submit your application, we will review your information to see whether you qualify for the program. Please allow 30 days for your application to be processed.
- After you’re approved, we will send you a notification email to confirm your enrollment and the percentage of discount you will receive.
- After you apply, we will automatically create an application for our PSE HELP program grant, where you could receive a credit on your account for up to $1,000.
Once enrolled, what else should I know about the program?
- Your monthly discount will last for 13 months. You will need to re-enroll after one year, but we will send you a reminder in advance. The discount only applies to new energy charges billed after enrollment. The discount does not apply to charges billed prior to enrollment.
- The discount may not apply to the next bill you receive, but the following bill after that and you will see it reflected on your bill.
- Certain charges are not included in the discount. The discount only applies to service and energy charges.
What if my household size or income changes?
After one year, you will need to submit a new application and report any changes at that time.
What if I receive a utility allowance?
Receiving a utility allowance does not impact your ability to enroll in the program.
What if I am disconnected, due to my inability to pay my bill?
A disconnection does not impact your participation in this program. You will still be enrolled.
What if I am not currently working, but am starting a new job in the next month?
If you do not have any income, mark your current income as $0.
I am currently on the Budget Payment Plan. Can I remain on it if I enroll in Bill Discount Rate?
Yes, you can remain on the Budget Payment plan after enrolling in Bill Discount Rate.
How do I know how much of a discount I’ll receive on my energy bill?
The discount you could potentially receive is based on several factors, your household’s income, the number of people in your household and the county you live in. Using this information, should you qualify, we will place you in one of six discount tiers, based on level of financial need.
Who is part of a household?
All individuals who live fulltime at the address that is being used to apply for assistance.
What counts as household income?
This means the combined income of all household members age 18 or older.
What is meant by housing status?
The option that best describes your current residence status. Do you own your home, rent or are you living in subsidized housing?
What is meant by housing type?
The best description of your home. A 1-3 family home is a single-family dwelling, a duplex, a triplex or other consisting of three or fewer connected units. A 4+ family home is an apartment or condominium with four or more units. A Hi-Rise is an apartment building with three or more floors. A mobile is a mobile home. An RV is a recreational vehicle.