Power On Peninsula is a suite of programs that help San Mateo County residents get back-up electricity during power grid outages
The initial offerings include free or low-cost batteries to help residents who live in high fire-threat areas power their medical devices during outages. Additional special offers for all San Mateo County resident to install solar+battery storage systems are expected to begin in August.
“To avoid exposure to COVID-19 we want our medically vulnerable residents to be able to stay home even if the lights go out. Powering essential medical devices — for both renters and homeowners — is a top priority for us,” noted CEO Jan Pepper.
Peninsula Clean Energy is partnering with Senior Coastsiders and Puente de la Costa Sur to conduct outreach in eligible areas and help residents enroll in a variety of programs including:
- Solar and backup batteries installed on homes at low or no cost
- Donations of portable backup batteries for renters
- Emergency planning assistance and access to loaned portable backup batteries from the Center for Independence for Individuals with Disabilities
Customers with medical devices who live in the following areas may be eligible:
- High fire-threat areas (see https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/firemap/), OR
- Have lost power during two or more Public Safety Power Shutoff events
Learn more and sign up at PenCleanEnergy.com/medical, or call Senior Coastsiders at (650) 726-9056.
Spanish speaking residents can call Puente de la Costa Sur at (650) 879-1691.
Note that all San Mateo residents with an eligible medical device are encouraged to enroll for the Medical Baseline program through PG&E. This program can give you a discount on your energy bill and early notification of Public Safety Power Shutoff events. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines qualify.