Utility Partnership With 211 Enhances Support, Access to Customer Resources During PSPS Outages
June 28 2022 - 3:14PM
Business Wire
With the height of fire season around the corner throughout
California, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric
Company, in partnership with the 211 California Network, have
ramped up their emergency preparedness support for customers in
preparation for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
California’s two largest utility companies are doing this with
211 Care Coordination, which assists individuals with Access and
Functional Needs (AFN) who live in high fire risk areas by creating
a plan to connect them to local community-based organizations
before PSPS outages. Organizations may assist with transportation
and shelter, portable backup power, home meal delivery, bill
assistance programs and other support.
Care Coordination is available for individuals with Access and
Functional Needs who live in high fire risk areas. This includes
those with various disabilities or chronic conditions, older adults
and others who use medical equipment that requires electricity.
Customers who are interested in services can call 211 or text
“PSPS” to 211-211 before, during and after PSPS events to discuss
assistance available to them.
“We absolutely understand the hardship that any extended power
outage, including PSPS, can cause our customers, particularly those
with Access and Functional Needs,” said Lisa Cagnolatti, SCE senior
vice president of Customer Service. “Our collaboration with the 211
California Network and PG&E offers meaningful support for these
customers, helping them to prepare for potential emergencies and
assisting with their critical needs if a shutoff is necessary to
protect their community.”
California continues to experience drought, increased wildfire
risk and a longer wildfire season. The combination of dry
conditions with high winds can increase the risk of wildfires.
Energy companies like SCE and PG&E have many programs in place
to mitigate the possibility of wildfires caused by electrical
equipment, like grid hardening, situational awareness and PSPS.
While PSPS are a measure of last resort, they will still be a tool
energy companies may need to use.
“Our partnership with 211 and SCE brings communities and
services together. We encourage customers to call 211 today to
learn more about the resources and services available to them ahead
of a potential PSPS or emergency. Now is the time to prepare,” said
Marlene Santos, PG&E’s executive vice president and chief
customer officer.
To connect and get help through the free, confidential referral
hotline, dial 211 or text “PSPS” to 211-211. 211 is available 24/7
in more than 300 languages.
About 211
With 24/7 availability from trained specialists and a dedicated
resource management team, 211 is a powerful resource for
households. The 211 California Network is comprised of 13 contact
centers throughout the state working together to connect the
community to all available health and social service resources.
About Southern California Edison
An Edison International (NYSE: EIX) company, Southern California
Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a
population of approximately 15 million via 5 million customer
accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central,
Coastal and Southern California.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric
utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square
miles in Northern and Central California. For more information,
visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220628006093/en/
Media Contact: Ben Gallagher, (626) 302-2255
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