Customer Resiliency Solutions
SDG&E’s priorities include providing you with clean, safe, and reliable energy. We want to help prepare our customers who live in areas with a higher threat of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) by making sure they have the resources they need when they need it.
A PSPS is a last-resort tool that SDG&E® uses to help reduce the risk of wildfires when conditions threaten our ability to safely operate our system. Our Customer Resiliency Solutions (CRS) program assesses pre-selected, eligible customers for resiliency solutions personalized to their residence. To help prepare for PSPS or other types of power outages, customers may be eligible for one of the following:
- No-cost permanent backup batteries
- Referrals to other programs offering incentivized portable backup equipment
- Informational resources
There are no fees for the assessment , and if eligible for a backup battery, the equipment will be provided and installed free-of-charge.
Pre-selected customers were chosen based on their elevated threat to wildfires and their previous experience with PSPS events. If you haven’t been invited to participate in this program, please visit our generator safety page for tips and considerations.
Eligible customers will be notified by mail with instructions on how to participate.
Process and Procedures
Eligible customers are informed about the program and directed to contact Richard Heath & Associates (RHA) if interested. RHA will gather information about your household and residence and then schedule an onsite visit if you qualify.
A field technician will assess your residence and personal needs. Select customers may be eligible to receive a permanent backup battery at no-cost.
- Customers who are eligible for an installed, permanent backup battery will be provided with a participation agreement that outlines the equipment, terms & conditions, and enrollment information for SDG&E’s Power Saver Rewards program.
NOTE: All participating customers, regardless of their backup battery eligibility, will have the option to receive resiliency resources and general preparedness education.
This step only pertains to customers who are eligible to receive an installed, permanent backup battery.
Shortly after your acceptance of the participation agreement, RHA will apply for a permit and finalize electrical design activities that are specific to your project location. This process can take up to 4 to 8 weeks.
This step only pertains to customers who are eligible to receive an installed, permanent backup battery.
The permanent battery installation will require work performed in the home’s electrical panel to connect the battery to pre-selected circuits. After the installation has been completed (1-2 full workdays), RHA will coordinate a final safety inspection with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (e.g., County of San Diego or Tribal Council).
This step only pertains to customers who are eligible to receive an installed, permanent backup battery.
Prior to the battery installation, RHA will submit a customer-signed Battery Backup Unit application to SDG&E. When the final inspection has been performed, SDG&E will grant the Permission to Operate. Note: The battery storage system is not permitted for use until the Permission to Operate is granted by SDG&E.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early enrollment in this program is strongly recommended as this program is only available on a first-come, first-served basis until all supplies have been exhausted. SDG&E may modify or terminate the program without prior notice to the customer.
For a limited time, customers may be eligible to receive a permanent battery storage system at no-cost. Permanent batteries store energy from the grid so that you can use it during a PSPS or other types of outages.
If you are eligible to receive a no-cost permanent backup battery, you will be required to enroll in SDG&E’s Power Saver Rewards program (if you’re not enrolled already). You'll be able to earn money and help California avoid power interruptions by utilizing energy stored in your battery system during times of high demand.
This information only pertains to customers who are eligible to receive an installed, permanent backup battery. Project times can vary depending on individual site needs. Once you’ve been approved for a permanent backup battery, RHA will provide you with personalized project timelines.
More Information
Contact us at [email protected] . To ensure a quick reply, please use CRS Inquiry in the subject line of the email.