PG&E is shutting off power for the second time this week. Are you prepared?
A power outage isn’t just inconvenient and potentially dangerous. It could also mean expensive repairs for homes and businesses.
So with PG&E Corp. wrapping up an Oct. 11 power outage and preparing for another that could affect 29,000 homes and businesses in 19 counties Thursday, it’s important to be prepared with a backup power source.
The newest warning came late Tuesday as California’s largest utility was continuing to restore electricity to about 24,000 customers hit earlier in the week. Starting Thursday, power could be shut off again because of weather issues, PG&E said.
Backup power can be a stand-alone system, though some require a connection to PG&E’s grid.
That’s why your first step should be determining what fuels you now use — gasoline, propane, natural gas, diesel and renewable energy. Backup power, when correctly used, can produce enough electricity to power your phone, laptop and in some cases, your entire home, according to a PG&E 2020 backup power guide.
Below are tips and resources provided by PG&E on backup power solutions, how to safely operate them and financial assistance for those in need.
Portable power stations
Portable power stations and battery technology can power anything from phones to refrigerators and can operate indoors and outdoors. The advantages include minimal noise and fumes as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.
Another environmentally friendly and reliable option is pairing your solar energy system with a battery.
How to safely used a portable system
Never connect a backup power system to another power source, including PG&E power lines.
Store generators away from flammable materials including dry grass.
Remember that generators become hot during and after use.
Position your generator where exhaust can vent safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Use appropriate size extension cords and never run cords under rugs or carpet.
Financing options
PG&E provides a Self-Generation Incentive Program that helps businesses and residential customers install new and qualifying equipment for backup power during shutoffs.
The program helps customers extend electrical power by adding battery storage to their wildfire safety plan. It also offers qualifying customers the support they need to cover 100% of battery and installation costs with help based on the customers’ income, location, medical needs and experience with past Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
Other financing resources include:
Loan program for Californians with disabilities and their families.
What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our California Utility Team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email utilityteam@sacbee.com.
This story was originally published October 13, 2021 at 1:50 PM with the headline "PG&E is shutting off power for the second time this week. Are you prepared?."