SAN FRANCISCO – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Several easy-to-use programs are available to assist customers during a public safety power cut (PSPS) that occurs during severe weather to prevent forest fires. For customers who need electricity for very specific needs, such as charging and operating medical equipment or running their well pumps, a battery or generator option becomes a critical solution for reducing or overcoming the impact of a PSPS.
That is why PG&E offers numerous programs that enable many of our customers to obtain discounted or free backup batteries. And the best time to check out these programs to see if you qualify and deploy a battery is now before California's wildfire season begins, when PSPS is the most common.
“Our most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and our hometowns. We can help customers who invest in emergency power and / or battery storage. We will continue to update our programs and support to improve customer access to backup power to keep critical equipment such as medical equipment and electric well pumps powered during PSPS events, ”said Marlene Santos, Chief Customer Officer of PG&E.
PG&E encourages qualified customers to use the following programs:
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PG & E's generator rebate program, launched last year for well pump customers, is now expanding to include rebates for qualified portable batteries to support Medical Baseline customers in areas of high fire risk (HFTD, eligible customers must be in Tier 2 or 3 HFTDs as per the definition of. living) the CPUC fire card) before this year's PSPS events.
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Applies to qualifying purchases made January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
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Customers can apply for the discount here.
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PG & E's Portable Battery Program offers free portable batteries to low-income customers who rely on medical devices to support their lives, live in areas of high fire risk, and participate in the Medical Baseline and CARE programs. There are a variety of batteries that can provide a range of backup power options as needed.
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In 2020, PG&E worked with community-based organizations to provide more than 5,500 portable batteries.
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This year, PG&E continues to work with five low-income Home Energy Assistance Program providers and Richard Heath and Associates to supply additional batteries. Program partners approach eligible customers.
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Customers can learn more about whether they qualify for the program here.
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In 2021, the Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) Program will also continue, a collaborative effort with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) to provide support for people with disabilities and older adults before, during, and after a PSPS event. The program gives qualified customers who use electrical medical equipment access to portable backup batteries through a grant, lease-to-own, or FreedomTech low-interest financing loan program. CFILC manages all aspects of the program. Qualified customers are also provided with transport resources, accommodation and food options via an online application process.
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To date, more than 1,100 portable batteries have been sold through the partnership.
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In 2020, the DDAR program provided more than 560 hotel stays, 900 meal vouchers and barrier-free transport for over 30 people.
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PG&E is the program administrator for the Nationwide Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). Eligible customers have permanent home battery storage systems installed which, in conjunction with solar energy, can be supported for free or at low cost for them during a PSPS event. SGIP incentives are available to eligible residential and non-residential customers; PG&E recommends customers to find out more about the program here and to find a contractor here.
PG&E understands how disruptive being without power is to our communities and continues to provide more help to customers with disabilities, hardships, language barriers, and other needs. Visit pge.com/psps and pge.com/homebattery for more information.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electricity company serving more than 16 million people in 70,000 square miles of northern and central California. Visit pge.com and pge.com/news for more information.