Rainbow Municipal Water District is transitioning its 401(a) and 457(b) retirement savings plans to a new plan service provider, Empower. If you're a retiree with a balance in either plan, here's what you need to know.

The Need-to-Know Basics

 

You don't have to do anything. The transfer will happen automatically. Below are the key dates and choices you can act on if you want to.

 

Most Important: The Blackout Period

Starting September 8, 2026, you will have limited or no access to your account for a few weeks while records move to Empower. During the blackout you will not be able to:

• Check your account balance
• Transfer or diversify your investments
• Take a loan, withdrawal, or distribution

Your investments stay invested and continue to gain or lose value with the market during this time — the blackout only limits your ability to view or transact.

Action item: If you need to make a withdrawal, change an investment, or complete any transaction, do it before September 8, 2026 — through PCS Retirement (401(a)) or Lincoln Financial (457(b)).

 

Key Dates at a Glance

• September 8, 2026 — Deadline to make changes with PCS (401(a)) or Lincoln Financial (457(b)). Blackout period begins.
• September 8–21, 2026 — 457(b) only: Special Election Window at Empower. Log in during this window if you don't want your 457(b) balance to default into a target-date fund.
• September 9, 2026, 9:30 AM — Virtual education meeting with Empower's Tyler Venegas (see below).
• September 22, 2026 — 457(b) funds officially transfer to Empower.
• October 2, 2026 — 401(a) funds officially transfer to Empower.
• Week of October 15, 2026 — Blackout period expected to end; full account access restored online and by phone.

Dates are subject to change.

 

Join a Free Education Meeting

Empower representative Tyler Venegas will walk retirees through the transition, demo the Empower online experience, and answer questions live.

• When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 9:30 AM
• Where: Virtual (Zoom) — scan the QR code on your mailed letter, or https://rainbowmwd.zoom.us/j/85188670108?pwd=uPXbKZGWndiBkbVJ2xkbAzLbrqsude.1

 

• Who: Any RMWD retiree with a 401(a) and/or 457(b) account

 

How Your Investments Will Transfer

If you're in the 401(a) Plan

Your current balance will automatically move to a corresponding fund at Empower (for example, Vanguard target-date and index funds map to comparable Fidelity Freedom Index or Empower fund options). Full fund-mapping details are in the letter Empower mails you directly.

• Want a different allocation? Contact PCS Retirement by September 8, 2026, or make changes directly with Empower after the transfer is complete.

If you're in the 457(b) Plan

Your balance will default into a Fidelity Freedom Index target-date fund based on your date of birth — unless you make a different election.

• Want to choose your own investments instead of the default? Log in to empowermyretirement.com during the Special Election Window, September 8–21, 2026.
• If you don't act, your date-of-birth-matched target-date fund is used automatically.

 

Retirees: A Few Things That Are Easy to Miss

• You're retired or separated from service? You may have specific options related to this transition. Contact your plan provider (PCS or Lincoln Financial) or RMWD for details.
• On automatic loan payments via ACH (401(a) only)? You'll need to re-establish your banking information with Empower after the blackout to keep payments going.
• On automatic loan payments (457(b))? These continue to be paid to Lincoln Financial and will not move to Empower.
• Receiving a systematic withdrawal or required minimum distribution (RMD)? These typically do not carry over automatically during the conversion. Once the blackout ends, check your account and re-establish your systematic withdrawal with Empower if needed — don't assume it's still running.

How to Access Your Account at Empower

Once your plan transitions:

1. Go to empowermyretirement.com
2. Select Register an account
3. Choose the "I do not have a PIN" tab
4. Follow the prompts to log in

The Empower app is also available for managing your account on the go, and phone representatives are available, including evenings and Saturdays.

 

Who to Contact

                                     

Watch your mail for additional materials sent directly from Empower with more details on your specific account and instructions for accessing it. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.