Utility Partnership With 211 Enhances Support, Access to Customer Resources During PSPS Outages

Rhea-AI Summary

Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, in collaboration with the 211 California Network, are enhancing emergency preparedness for customers facing Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) amid California's fire season. The joint effort focuses on supporting individuals with Access and Functional Needs, offering resources such as transportation, backup power, and meal delivery. Customers can access these services by calling 211 or texting 'PSPS'. The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of planned outages, ensuring critical assistance is available during emergencies.

Positive

• Enhanced emergency preparedness for customers during fire season.
• Collaboration with 211 California Network to assist individuals with Access and Functional Needs.
• Increased accessibility to essential services such as transportation and backup power.

Negative

• The need for PSPS indicates ongoing wildfire risks and potential service disruptions.
• Continued drought conditions in California may exacerbate wildfire concerns.

ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With the height of fire season around the corner throughout California, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, in partnership with the 211 California Network, have ramped up their emergency preparedness support for customers in preparation for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).

California’s two largest utility companies are doing this with 211 Care Coordination, which assists individuals with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) who live in high fire risk areas by creating a plan to connect them to local community-based organizations before PSPS outages. Organizations may assist with transportation and shelter, portable backup power, home meal delivery, bill assistance programs and other support.

Care Coordination is available for individuals with Access and Functional Needs who live in high fire risk areas. This includes those with various disabilities or chronic conditions, older adults and others who use medical equipment that requires electricity. Customers who are interested in services can call 211 or text “PSPS” to 211-211 before, during and after PSPS events to discuss assistance available to them.

“We absolutely understand the hardship that any extended power outage, including PSPS, can cause our customers, particularly those with Access and Functional Needs,” said Lisa Cagnolatti, SCE senior vice president of Customer Service. “Our collaboration with the 211 California Network and PG&E offers meaningful support for these customers, helping them to prepare for potential emergencies and assisting with their critical needs if a shutoff is necessary to protect their community.”

California continues to experience drought, increased wildfire risk and a longer wildfire season. The combination of dry conditions with high winds can increase the risk of wildfires. Energy companies like SCE and PG&E have many programs in place to mitigate the possibility of wildfires caused by electrical equipment, like grid hardening, situational awareness and PSPS. While PSPS are a measure of last resort, they will still be a tool energy companies may need to use.

“Our partnership with 211 and SCE brings communities and services together. We encourage customers to call 211 today to learn more about the resources and services available to them ahead of a potential PSPS or emergency. Now is the time to prepare,” said Marlene Santos, PG&E’s executive vice president and chief customer officer.

To connect and get help through the free, confidential referral hotline, dial 211 or text “PSPS” to 211-211. 211 is available 24/7 in more than 300 languages.

About 211

With 24/7 availability from trained specialists and a dedicated resource management team, 211 is a powerful resource for households. The 211 California Network is comprised of 13 contact centers throughout the state working together to connect the community to all available health and social service resources.

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE: EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of approximately 15 million via 5 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220628006093/en/

Media Contact: Ben Gallagher, (626) 302-2255

Source: Southern California Edison

FAQ

What companies are involved in the PSPS emergency preparedness initiative?

Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company are collaborating with the 211 California Network.

How can customers access support during Public Safety Power Shutoffs in California?

Customers can call 211 or text 'PSPS' to 211-211 for assistance during PSPS events.

What types of support are offered to those with Access and Functional Needs during PSPS?

Support includes transportation, portable backup power, meal delivery, and bill assistance programs.

Why are Public Safety Power Shutoffs necessary in California?

PSPS are implemented as a last resort to mitigate wildfire risks during high-risk conditions.

What is the role of the 211 California Network in emergency preparedness?

The 211 California Network helps connect individuals with community resources and services needed during emergencies.