PG&E Resources
Public Safety Power Shutoff:
When there’s increased wildfire risk, PG&E may need to turn off power for safety. This is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Resources Are Available For You
- Generator Rebates
- Portable batteries for medical devices
- Community Resource Centers
- Meal replacements
- Transportation resources and hotel accommodations
Access information on resources.
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings:
To help prevent wildfires and protect their customers, PG&E is continuing to enhance their safety efforts. They are adjusting the sensitivity on some equipment to automatically - and quickly – turn off power if the system detects a problem. They call this Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS).
If an object strikes a line, safety equipment detects the
change in current and shuts off power within one-tenth of a
second. They then check the lines for damage
before
safely restoring power.
Learn more about the wildfire safety efforts by visiting their website and reviewing the flyer.
Portable Battery Program:
PG&E’s Portable Battery Program provides backup batteries to lessen the impact of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events on customers who rely on medical devices. In 2020, PG&E collaborated with community-based organizations to provide more than 5,500 portable batteries. 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 will reach out to eligible customers to conduct a phone or email assessment. The assessment will survey customer emergency preparedness plans and medical device information to match the customer with the best battery available for their needs. Learn more with the flyer or by visiting their website.
Community Wildfire Safety Program:
PG&E and the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) are working in collaboration on a readiness programto support people with disabilities and older adults before, during and after a Public Safety Power Shutoff or other emergency. This is one of the first statewide programs of its kind.
CFILC is working with local Independent Living Centers (ILC) to conduct a pilot program to provide AFN community members with support and assistance to prepare for disasters and extended power outages. The CFILC will determine who qualifies for resources through an application process and criteria that includes disabilities and chronic medical conditions that require electricity to live independently in the community.
Learn more with the flyer.
Medical Baseline Program:
The Medical Baseline Allowance program is specifically designed for households that rely on in-home medical equipment, this program allows you to use more electricity at a low rate, which can lower your overall monthly energy costs, assuming consistent electricity use.
Apply for the PG&E Medical Baseline program.
Medical Baseline Allowance Flyer in Multiple Languages:
Arabic
Armenian
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Farsi
Hmong
Korean
Spanish
Tagalog
Vietnamese