PG&E's Residential Storage Initiative (RSI) provides permanent back-up battery systems, free of charge. The RSI:
- Supports PG&E customers most likely to have power outages. This includes: Enhanced Safety Power Settings (EPSS) outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
- Provides the battery system at no cost
- The system is valued at over $15,000, including equipment and installation
- Has already provided 3,800 customers with a battery since 2022
Note: If you receive a no-cost battery through the RSI, you aren't eligible for energy storage rebates. The battery is fully purchased by PG&E.
To qualify for the RSI, you must:
- Have experienced five or more Enhanced Power Safety Settings outages since January 1, 2024, and
- Be served by an EPSS-impacted circuit; and
- Be enrolled in CARE, FERA, Medical Baseline, or the Self-Identified Vulnerable program.
Note: Meeting all three requirements doesn't guarantee a battery storage system will be provided.
Most customers complete the full process in 6 to 9 months. Project time range is estimated—not guaranteed. Timelines can vary widely based on:
- Scheduling availability
- Your local permitting office requirements and turnaround times
- Home and equipment configurations
- Project volume
- Other dependencies
Note: Customers should regularly monitor their emails. To avoid delays, you must respond to scheduling requests by phone.
Step 1. Outreach and prequalification
You may receive a call from PG&E's program partner Richard Heath & Associates, now part of Resource Innovations (RHA/RI). RHA/RI:
- Will confirm your outage history and initial prequalification
- Will conduct a short phone survey
- Will confirm your email address
Note: Being contacted or completing the survey doesn't guarantee installation.
Step 2. Site assessment
A technician visits your home to:
- Assess your electrical panel
- Identify installation locations and possible red flags
- Document meter and property information
- Identify which circuits can be backed up
Note: Receiving a site assessment doesn't guarantee installation. Some homes may not meet electrical, safety or program scope requirements.
Step 3. Design review
Engineers review whether your home can safely support a battery installation based on:
- Electrical compatibility, safety and building codes
- Manufacturer requirements
- PG&E program guidelines and design limitations
You'll receive an email after the design review to confirm or deny eligibility.
Step 4. Permitting
RHA/RI submits your project to your local permitting office. Timelines vary widely by region. Once permits are approved, an installer will contact you to schedule installation.
Step 5. Installation and final inspection
What to expect:
- Your power will be off for 4 to 6 hours during installation.
- Installation takes 1 to 2 full workdays.
- Technician sets up your battery manufacturer's app to register and commission your battery.
- A local inspector must approve the completed work. The inspector will provide the approval during a subsequent appointment coordinated by your installer.
Note: Some projects also require a PG&E meter technician visit.
Step 6. Interconnection and Permission to Operate (PTO)
- RHA/RI prepares your interconnection application and pays all required fees.
- After the project passes final inspection, RHA/RI submits the approved building permit to PG&E for review.
- PG&E authorizes your system and sends you an email confirming PTO.
Note: You may not use your battery until PTO is granted. If you don't receive PTO within 4 weeks of passing inspection, email: residentialstorageegi@resource-innovations.com.
Step 7. After Permission to Operate is granted, you're powered up
Once you receive PTO:
- Your battery will automatically provide power during outages
- You can monitor your system using the manufacturer's app
- RHA/RI will provide instructions, warranty information and customer support contacts
You'll receive email updates from RHA/RI at each major step of the program. Some phases take longer. This depends on permitting timelines and project volume.
After a site assessment, some homes don't meet:
- Electrical or building safety codes
- Manufacturer specifications
- Design limitations
- PG&E Greenbook standards
Note: Due to high volume, RHA/RI can't provide detailed reviews for each applicant.
Yes. To move forward in the program, customers must also:
- Have no existing permanent backup power system
- Generator or battery
- Have a valid email address
- For updates and document signing
- Have reliable Wi‑Fi
- For battery commissioning and software updates
- Not be in the process of installing solar
- Existing solar must already have Permission to Operate
- Have no open permits, code violations or unsafe site conditions
- Live in a single‑family home with its own electric meter
- Not have a manufactured home or multifamily property
In most cases, no. Most customers receive backup for essential circuits only. This may include:
- Lighting
- Refrigeration
- Outlets for medical devices
- Basic electronics
Whole‑home backup is possible only in limited cases. This depends on electrical load and layout.
Typically, no. RSI‑installed systems are intended to support essential, lower‑demand circuits. High‑load equipment usually can't be powered due to battery capacity limits and safety requirements. This includes:
- Central air conditioning systems
- Large well pumps
- EV chargers
- Electric water heaters
- Heavy‑demand appliances
You must be home on installation day. For final inspections, your presence may not be required if equipment is accessible to the inspector.
A stable Wi‑Fi connection is needed for commissioning, software updates and app function. Homes without reliable Wi‑Fi may not qualify.
No. Customers can't start a new solar project or open a new interconnection application. This may delay or disqualify the process. Existing solar is allowed only if it already has Permission to Operate.
Apply for a free battery storage system
If you received a letter from PG&E, complete the form below. Someone from RHA/RI will contact you. They will advise you if you are pre-qualified for this offer.
Note: Please only fill out the form if you have received a letter or email from PG&E or RHA/RI.
Helping you prepare and get support
Generator and battery rebates
We offer generator and battery rebates to help prepare you for outages.
Safety Action Center
Learn how to create an emergency plan that could keep you and your family safe.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding the Residential Storage Initiative, call RHA/RI at 559-500-3550. You can also email pgeresidentialstorage@resourceinnovations.com.