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Get support and services during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events


Call or text 211, 24 hours a day


Access medical, shelter, food and other support available for disabled and aging populations in the event a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is called in your area.


211 Call 211 or text “PSPS” to 211211, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This free service, in partnership with PG&E, can help you find local health and social services during PSPS events as well as during natural disasters and other emergencies. Support is available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and nearly 200 other languages via interpreter service.


Make sure you can receive PSPS alerts


When possible, we will provide you advance notice about events affecting your service — including the possible need to proactively turn off power for public safety. Make sure your email, phone number, language preference and mailing address are current in your online account. Update your contact information now.


All non-account holders can sign up for PG&E Zip Code Alerts to be notified of a potential PSPS impacting your community, workplace or home.


Device charging, Wi-Fi and other support


PG&E opens Community Resource Centers in areas affected by a Power Shutoff. All Community Resource Centers follow state and county guidelines to fight COVID-19. These centers offer ADA-accessible restrooms and hand-washing stations, medical equipment charging, device charging, Wi-Fi, bottled water and snacks. Indoor centers also offer air-conditioning or heating, seating and ice.

If you rely on power for medical and/or independent living needs


Medical Baseline Program


The Medical Baseline Program offers supports for residential customers who rely on power for certain medical conditions. The program includes two different kinds of help:


  • A lower rate on your monthly energy bill (more energy at the lowest rate).
  • Extra notifications in advance of PSPS events, including live phone calls and door knocks.

Find out if you qualify for the Medical Baseline program.

Apply today

Portable Battery Program


PG&E’s Portable Battery Program (PBP) provides no-cost backup portable batteries for eligible customers who meet the following criteria:


Additional eligibility requirements include a reliance on medical equipment that operates on electricity to sustain life. Working in coordination with Community Based Organizations (CBOs), PG&E has identified approximately 10,500 customers who could qualify for this program.


The CBOs are conducting initial outreach to all 10,500 customers to assess their needs with a survey and based on these results, the CBOs determine which customers are eligible to receive batteries. The CBOs then deliver the batteries to the homes of these qualified customers, set up the batteries, and educate customers on how to safely operate and maintain the equipment. Battery deliveries will take place between September through November 2020.


If you meet the eligibility criteria and have not been contacted by a CBO, you can contact the organization serving your county.

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for this program, but do have a disability or independent living need, please refer to the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers resources below.

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers


The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers provides extra help for people who rely on power for medical or independent living needs during PSPS events. Once you qualify, you’ll get access to backup portable batteries and other resources like assistive communication equipment, and various hotel and food vouchers at an Independent Living Center in your county.


These centers may also be able to cover the costs associated with accessible transportation to and from PG&E Community Resource Centers.


Coordination with an Independent Living Center for support takes time so we recommend you reach out to your local center in advance of a PSPS event. While these centers can provide emergency help, they’re not open 24 hours a day, 7 days week. Regular hours are traditionally Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.


 If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911. 


 This organization also helps you get ready for these PSPS events with emergency planning and education and Medical Baseline Program enrollment assistance. Visit the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers Disability Disaster Access and Resources to access these disaster planning resources.

If you need financial assistance


California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)


Income-qualified households can get a monthly discount on their energy bills with the CARE and FERA programs.


Find out if you qualify for the CARE or FERA program. 


Food replacement resources


If you experience food loss due to a PSPS event, participating food banks will provide your family with groceries during a PSPS in your county, and three days following power being restored.

If you’re disabled or an older adult


Meals on Wheels


Meals on Wheels provides home-bound seniors with nutritious meals in their homes. If you live in a county affected by a PSPS event, and already participate in the Meals on Wheels program, you’ll be given one more meal per day for each day of the PSPS event.


To be eligible you must be 60 years or older (or the spouse of a person age 60 or older), at risk of malnutrition and not able to come to a Meals on Wheels Center for a meal. Reach out to your local Meals on Wheels now, to see if you qualify.

If you need language support


If you or others you know need help understanding and preparing for a PSPS event, the language resources and partnerships listed below are available for support. Additional support is available in over 200 languages. Call 1-866-743-6589 to learn more.


For information in alternate formats, such as large print, Braille, or audio, please send PG&E an e-mail at this mailbox CIACMC@pge.com and include your name, mailing address, and phone number.

Wildfire Safety resources


Use the Wildfire Safety Toolkit, available in a variety of languages, to help you or someone you love prepare for PSPS events. This toolkit includes helpful resources to prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoffs, such as fact sheets and a printable application for the Medical Baseline Program.