SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- California-based Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced Tuesday its plan to send monthly energy bills in Braille to its visually impaired customers.
"At PG&E, we recognize our business is all about the customers we serve, so we are constantly striving to find new ways to improve services to our diverse customer populations including the blind and visually impaired," said Helen Burt, PG&E's chief customer officer.
The Braille bill will arrive a week after the print bill and late notices or other announcements will not be sent in Braille. Visually impaired customers may still need other to help them read the bills but the new Braille bills will feature energy use information, billing dates, and information comparing the energy bill month-to-month.
"The seemingly simple task of reading one's own monthly energy statement is now available through PG&E's Braille Bill," said Frances Gracechild, executive director of Resources for Independent Living. "It enhances the independence for those in the community with visual disabilities."
The program is released in conjunction with PG&E's appliance marking program which was released earlier. That program labels range tops, ovens and thermostats making it easier to use. To sign up for either program customers should contact PG&E. There is telecommunications assistance for the hearing impaired and speech impaired as well.
