What Makes PG&E Employee Benefits So Great?

If you’re a PG&E employee, or thinking about becoming one, you’ve probably heard that the benefits are some of the best around, and it’s true!

In a time when many companies are cutting back, PG&E still offers a full range of employee benefits that support you, both at work and in life. 

Whether it’s saving for retirement, taking care of your health, or planning for the unexpected, PG&E helps you cover a lot of ground.

You can see why these benefits are such a big deal, and how to make the most of them.

Retirement: Real Plans, Real Support

1. Traditional Pension Plan

This is the big one that surprises a lot of people. PG&E still offers a pension, which is rare these days. Employees hired prior to January 1, 2013, have the Defined Benefits Pension and those hired January 1, 2013, and later have the Cash Balance Pension.

Here’s what that means in plain English:

Defined Benefits Pension: When you retire from PG&E you will have a monthly income for life, based on your years of service and salary. You don’t have to worry about investing it yourself or whether the market is up or down. It’s steady and reliable.

There are two versions:

• Final Pay Pension (for union employees): Based on your final 30 days of pay and years of service.
• Final Average Pay Pension (for management and A&T): Based on your highest-paid 36 months and your years of service.

Cash Balance Pension: Has the same monthly income feature but also allows for a Lump-Sum cashout option.

Either way, it’s a steady paycheck in retirement that you don’t have to fund yourself.

2. 401(k) Plan with Matching

On top of the pension, PG&E also offers a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company matching. Depending on your role and how much you contribute, PG&E may match a portion of your contributions, giving you more savings for your future.

You can choose how to invest your 401(k), and there’s a BrokerageLink option if you want even more control.

Having both a pension and a 401(k)? That’s a strong combo. It means you have income for life plus flexible savings that can grow over time.

3. Retiree Medical Savings Account (RMSA)

Health care is one of the biggest worries in retirement, but PG&E helps with that, too.

The RMSA is a special account that PG&E funds while you’re working. You can use it to pay for premiums for your PG&E retiree medical. 

The longer you work there, the more they contribute. It is a smart way to offset medical PREMIUMS later in life.

Health and Wellness: Coverage That Goes Beyond Basics

1. Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

PG&E offers a variety of medical plans so you can choose what fits best, whether it’s an HMO, PPO, or high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA).

You also get solid dental and vision coverage, including preventive care and allowances for glasses or contacts.

And if you're covering a spouse or family, PG&E subsidizes part of those costs, making it easier to take care of everyone.

2. Mental Health Support

Life gets stressful however PG&E includes mental health benefits in their plans, covering therapy, counseling, and substance use treatment to help you through it all. There is also an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The service is free and confidential. Whether you just need someone to talk to. Maybe it is stress, around work or family issues, help is there when you need it.

3. Wellness Programs

PG&E encourages employees to take care of themselves. That includes:

• Wellness challenges and incentives
• Fitness reimbursements
• Preventive care rewards

These programs aren’t just about staying healthy. They are about helping you live better and avoid bigger health problems down the road.

Time Off: A Real Break When You Need It

1. Vacation and Paid Time Off

PG&E offers generous vacation time, plus holidays and personal days. The longer you’re there, the more you earn.

Need a break to recharge? You can take one. Need time for something big in your life? You’ve got it.

2. Paid Sick Leave and Disability Coverage

If you get sick or injured, PG&E has your back with short- and long-term disability plans and paid sick time. You’re not left scrambling or burning through vacation days.

And for serious illness or injury, you may be eligible for long-term disability, with income replacement so you can focus on recovery.

3. Parental Leave and Family Support

Having a child? PG&E offers paid parental leave, and not just for moms. Dads and adoptive parents get time off, too.

They also offer flexible work schedules and backup care services for when regular childcare falls through. It’s a real attempt to support working families.

Protection for the Unexpected

1. Life Insurance and AD&D

PG&E provides basic life insurance at no cost to you. You can also buy additional coverage for yourself and your family.

There’s also Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, which provides added protection if something serious happens due to an accident.

2. Long-Term Care Coverage

This is a benefit many people overlook, but it’s incredibly valuable.

Long-term care insurance helps pay for extended care (like assisted living or home care) if you can’t do everyday tasks due to illness, injury, or aging. Buying it through work is usually cheaper than getting it on your own, and PG&E offers that option.

Career and Education Support

PG&E doesn’t just want you to show up, they want you to grow.

They offer:

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Training and development programs
• Leadership tracks if you want to move up
• Mentorship and coaching opportunities

If you’re looking to build a long-term career, not just a job, PG&E gives you the tools.

Why It All Matters

These benefits are built for real people with real lives. You get:

• Retirement income you don’t have to figure out on your own
• Health care that goes beyond just coverage
• Support for your family and your future
• Time off that’s truly time off
• Protection from life’s curveballs

It’s rare to find a benefits package this comprehensive, especially from a company that still invests heavily in their people. And the best part? 

These benefits stack up. They’re not either-or, they work together to support you through every stage of your life and career.

What I Usually Tell Clients

When I meet with PG&E employees, I often say this:

“Don’t underestimate how valuable your benefits are, you’ve already got a head start. Let’s build on it.”

These aren’t just perks, they are financial tools. And if you use them well, they can make a real difference in how secure, flexible, and enjoyable your retirement can be.

Action Step: Make Sure You’re Using What You’ve Earned

Do not underestimate the value of your benefits. Together, they give you a strong foundation for financial security and work-life balance.

Ask yourself:

• Are you contributing enough to your 401(k)?
• Does your pension plan match your retirement goals?
• Are you prepared for health care costs in retirement?
• Have you coordinated your RMSA, Social Security, and estate plan?

If you’re not sure, that’s where I come in.

Let’s sit down and review it all, so you know exactly where you stand, what you’re building toward, and how to get there.

Need help understanding how your PG&E benefits fit into your bigger retirement picture?

Let’s talk. I’ve helped over a hundred PG&E employees retire confidently. You could be next.