Learn About Available Programs that Provide Backup Power and Lessen the Impact of a Public Safety Power Shutoff

Rhea-AI Summary

PG&E is enhancing its support for customers during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, particularly for those relying on electricity for essential needs. The company offers various programs, including Generator Rebate and Portable Battery Program, aimed at providing discounted or free backup power solutions. Additionally, the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program assists individuals with disabilities. These initiatives aim to ensure that vulnerable populations can maintain access to critical energy sources during wildfire-related outages, promoting safety and reliability.

Positive

• Expansion of the Generator Rebate Program to include portable batteries.
• Provision of no-cost portable batteries for low-income medical device users.
• Distribution of over 5,500 portable batteries in 2020 through community organizations.
• Continued collaboration with partners to reach eligible customers.

Negative

• None.

There are several easy-to-use programs available to assist customers during a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) which occurs during severe weather to prevent wildfires. For those customers who need electricity for very specific needs, such as charging and operating medical devices or running their well pumps, having a battery or generator option becomes a vital solution to lessening or overcoming the impacts of a PSPS.

And that’s why PG&E offers numerous programs that enable many of our customers to obtain discounted or free backup batteries. And the best time to look into those programs to see if you qualify and to get a battery in place is now, before the start of California’s wildfire season when a PSPS most typically happens.

“Our most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and our local hometowns. Providing help to customers investing in backup power and/or battery storage is one way we can help. We continue to update our programs and support to enhance access to backup power for customers to keep essential devices such as medical equipment and electric well pumps powered during PSPS events,” said Marlene Santos, PG&E’s Chief Customer Officer.

PG&E encourages qualified customers to take advantage of the following programs:

• PG&E’s Generator Rebate Program that was launched last year for well pump customers is now being expanded to cover rebates for qualified portable batteries to support Medical Baseline customers in high-fire threat areas (HFTD, eligible customers must live in Tiers 2 or 3 HFTDs defined by the CPUC fire map) ahead of this year’s PSPS events.
  • Applies to qualifying purchases made from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
  • Customers can apply for the rebate here.

• PG&E’s Portable Battery Program provides no-cost portable batteries to low-income customers who rely on medical devices to sustain life, live in high fire-threat districts and are enrolled in the Medical Baseline and CARE programs. There are a variety of batteries that can provide a range of backup power options, depending on need.
  • In 2020, PG&E collaborated with community-based organizations to provide more than 5,500 portable batteries.
  • This year, PG&E is continuing to work with five Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program providers and Richard Heath and Associates to deliver additional batteries. Program partners are reaching out to eligible customers.
  • Customers can learn more here about whether they qualify for the program.

• Also continuing in 2021 is the Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) Program, a joint effort with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) to support people with disabilities and older adults before, during, and after a PSPS event. The program enables qualified customers who use electrical medical devices to access backup portable batteries through a grant, lease-to-own or the FreedomTech low-interest financial loan program. CFILC administers all aspects of the program. Transportation resources, lodging and food options are also provided through an online application process to qualified customers.
  • To date, more than 1,100 portable batteries have been distributed via the partnership.
  • In 2020, more than 560 hotel stays, 900 food vouchers, and accessible transportation for over 30 individuals was provided through the DDAR program.

• PG&E is a program administrator for the statewide Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). Eligible customers have been installing permanent home battery storage systems that if paired with solar can support throughout a PSPS event at no or low cost to them. Incentives through SGIP are available to eligible residential and non-residential customers; PG&E recommends customers learn about the program here and find a contractor here.

PG&E understands how disruptive it is for our communities to be without power and continues to provide more help to customers with disabilities, hardships, language barriers and other needs. For more information, visit pge.com/psps and pge.com/homebattery.

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/20210607005641/en/

FAQ

What programs does PG&E offer for Public Safety Power Shutoff events?

PG&E offers several programs such as the Generator Rebate Program, Portable Battery Program, and Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program to assist customers during PSPS events.

How can customers get backup batteries from PG&E?

Customers may qualify for discounted or free backup batteries through PG&E's programs, specifically aimed at those with medical needs.

What is the impact of PSPS on PG&E customers?

PSPS events impact customers by disrupting electrical service, particularly affecting those dependent on power for medical devices and essential services.

When does PG&E recommend customers apply for backup power programs?

PG&E recommends customers apply for backup power programs before the start of California's wildfire season.

How many portable batteries were distributed through PG&E's programs in 2020?

In 2020, PG&E distributed over 5,500 portable batteries through community-based organizations.