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First-of-its-Kind Technology Allows PG&E Customers to Safely and Easily Connect Backup Power to Their Homes
Rhea-AI Impact
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Rhea-AI Summary
PG&E has unveiled a groundbreaking personal microgrid backup power transfer meter, enhancing its SmartMeter system for customers in High Fire-Threat Districts. Eligible customers, who are part of the Generator Rebate Program, can receive this device at no cost. The technology integrates seamlessly with backup power sources, allowing for safe connections during outages. PG&E has installed over 100 devices and plans to roll out thousands more. The company has applied for a patent for this innovation, anticipated to be approved by 2023.
Positive
Introduction of the backup power transfer meter enhances customer energy resilience.
Eligible customers can receive the device for free, increasing accessibility.
Over 100 units already installed; plans to install thousands more in 2022.
Patent application for the technology expected to be approved by 2023.
Negative
None.
PG&E Develops, Scales and Expands Deployment of New Technology; Eligible Customers Can Get It for Free
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
As part of its work to build a stronger, more resilient energy grid for the hometowns it serves, PG&E successfully developed a first-of-its-kind personal microgrid backup power transfer meter device for customers that fully integrates into PG&E’s existing electric SmartMeter system. The device provides customers with a more reliable solution for interconnecting backup power sources, such as portable generators or batteries, to power essential devices and appliances during a power outage.
Customers in High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTD) as defined by the California Public Utilities Commission who have been issued a rebate for a qualified backup generator through the Generator Rebate Program are eligible to receive a backup power transfer meter device and have it installed by PG&E, free of charge. The device comes with a universal adapter allowing customers to safely connect off-the-shelf backup power sources as needed, helping PG&E’s most vulnerable customers safely and easily attach auxiliary power to their homes.
Customers are encouraged to visit www.pge.com/transfermeter to confirm eligibility and request a backup power transfer meter.
“Our customers count on electricity to provide basic and critical needs during power outages including lighting, internet, communications, refrigeration, and charging and operating medical devices. We know that using extension cords with a portable generator is not the most practical solution, and that the cost of purchasing and installing a transfer switch can be prohibitive—in the thousands of dollars. That’s why we created this new backup power transfer meter technology to help our customers maximize connectivity of their backup power source to their home—in a simple fashion—through their electric meter and electrical panel,” said Vincent Davis, Vice President, Customer Operations & Enablement, PG&E.
Developing the Backup Power Transfer Meter
PG&E’s SmartMeter program team, in consultation with industry partners, designed and built a prototype device from scratch in 2020. The product went through rigorous safety and reliability testing at PG&E’s Applied Technology Services lab and through a third-party testing lab, Exponent.
PG&E concurrently identified hundreds of customers who would potentially be eligible for a meter upgrade to include the device, based on their enrollment in PG&E’s Generator Rebate Program.
In early 2021, following successful lab testing and customer outreach, PG&E began deploying the new devices to customer sites.
“As the environment in which the grid operates continues to evolve, developing and implementing the backup power transfer meter device is one way we are innovating to help our customers—and electric customers around the country—take control of their energy usage and costs. Our customers who live and work in areas of high fire threat and frequently experience extreme weather conditions can now better power essential appliances, devices, equipment and services at home or at their small business and be assured that their personal microgrid is resilient,” said Davis.
How Installation Works
After customers order the device, PG&E will schedule a time and date for installation. As a part of the installation appointment, a PG&E representative will train and advise each customer on how to safely operate a backup power source using the device during a broader planned or unplanned power outage. Safely connecting a qualified portable generator to a backup power transfer meter device follows an easy-to-understand, six-step process as illustrated in PG&E’s installation guide.
The device provides PG&E grid operators with visibility into when a customer switches their power source to backup generation, and the device will automatically and safely switch the customer back to PG&E grid power when the outage is resolved, and grid power is restored.
Plans for Expansion
PG&E has installed more than 100 backup power transfer meter devices for eligible customers and anticipates installing thousands more in 2022.
PG&E also plans to make the technology available to utilities throughout the United States as a resource to help as many potentially vulnerable electric customers as possible.
PG&E recently applied for a United States Patent for this backup power transfer meter technology, which the company expects will be approved by 2023. PG&E owns a variety of patents that apply to smart energy metering, electrical grid systems, wires down detection, asset management and mapping, and gas operations. Including the backup power transfer meter application, PG&E has several patent applications pending for a range of technologies including data analytics tools, sensor technologies, and location and marking systems.
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.
What is PG&E's new backup power transfer meter?
PG&E's new backup power transfer meter is a device that allows customers to easily connect backup power sources like generators to their home during outages.
Who is eligible for the free backup power transfer meter from PG&E?
Customers in High Fire-Threat Districts who have received a rebate for a qualified backup generator through the Generator Rebate Program are eligible.
How many backup power transfer meters has PG&E installed?
PG&E has installed over 100 backup power transfer meters and plans to deploy thousands more in 2022.
When is PG&E expecting the patent approval for their new technology?
PG&E expects the patent for the backup power transfer meter technology to be approved by 2023.
Where can I find more information about PG&E's backup power transfer meter?
More information can be found on PG&E's website at www.pge.com/transfermeter.
