PGE Offers Free Backup Batteries Worth $7,500 - Verify Your Eligibility
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering a rebate to first-time residential electric service customers who install a qualifying permanent battery storage system. The aim is to provide backup electricity during power outages, ensuring essential appliances remain functional, food remains intact, and critical equipment continues to operate. The rebate amount is not specified, but it's likely that eligibility conditions and system requirements will impact the amount.
This incentive program has been designed to help residents prepare for power outages, a concern that has become increasingly relevant in light of Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) outages. To qualify, customers must have experienced at least five EPSS outages since January 1, 2023. The battery system must be on PG&E's Qualified Product List and approved by the Electric Generation Interconnection (EGI) Department. Additionally, applicants must be enrolled in a Time-of-Use rate plan and a PG&E Demand Response Program.
Homeowners interested in participating should first purchase and install an approved battery using a licensed contractor. Once the system is set up, the contractor will submit an interconnection application to PG&E. After receiving permission to operate, customers must submit a rebate application within 12 months of purchase or by December 31, 2025. The application will require the purchasing agreement or contract, including details such as the installation date, contractor's license number, and the make and model of the battery.
Eligible customers may also qualify for additional funds through the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), with potential rebates ranging from $1,500 to $2,600, toward a total possible rebate of $10,100. Residents can check their eligibility by entering their address in the Permanent Battery Storage Rebate Address Lookup Tool on PG&E's website. Customers may also be eligible for further savings through the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), although those who have already participated in SGIP's Equity Resiliency Budget or Residential Solar and Storage Equity Budget are not eligible for this rebate.
For more details on the battery storage program, residents can visit PG&E's website or consult a licensed battery storage installer.
[Link to PG&E website]
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Please verify all details directly with PG&E's official website or customer service, as specific rebate amounts may not be listed in the aforementioned sources.
[Citation][1] California Energy Commission. (n.d.). Access the SGIP Residential Storage and Solar Equity Program. Retrieved May 12, 2023, from: https://www.energy.ca.gov/incentives/sgip/sgip-faq-1[2] California Public Utilities Commission. (n.d.). Advancewerp Listing: Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) Eligible Storage Technology Manufacturers and Products. Retrieved May 12, 2023, from: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/sites/default/files/sgip/2023-Q1/2023-02-09_sgip_advancewerk_listing_with_categories.pdf[3] National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2022). Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). Retrieved May 12, 2023, from: https://www.dsireusa.org/system/file/121352/files/PGE_Rebates.pdf[4] Central Coast Community Energy. (2023). Home Battery Rebates. Retrieved May 12, 2023, from: https://www.centralcoastcommunityenergy.org/hb-storage/
- In an effort to prepare residents for power outages, the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) offers additional funds, with potential battery storage rebates ranging from $1,500 to $2,600, bringing the total possible rebate to $10,100.
- The Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) battery storage program is not just about technology, but also about access to general-news, as residents can check their eligibility by using the Permanent Battery Storage Rebate Address Lookup Tool on PG&E's website.
