Resource Number: 4662092
Alternate name: UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE; MEDICAL BASELINE ALLOWANCE; MBP; MBL; PBP; PGE

Description
MEDICAL BASELINE PROGRAM
The Medical Baseline Program, also known as Medical Baseline Allowance, is an assistance program for residential customers who depend on power for certain medical needs. Qualifying medical devices include any medical device used to sustain life. Devices include equipment used for mobility, per a licensed medical practitioner. Devices are for home use only. Devices used for therapy generally do not qualify.

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PORTABLE BATTERY PROGRAM (PBP)
PG&E's Portable Battery Program (PBP) provides backup battery power to qualified customers who depend on life-sustaining medical equipment. The program is available before, during, and after Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events when PG&E needs to turn off power during severe weather for public safety to prevent wildfires. 

IDENTIFYING CUSTOMERS WHO COULD QUALIFY FOR PORTABLE BATTERIES
PG&E identifies customers who might qualify for this program. Community Based Organizations conduct the outreach and determine which customers are eligible to receive batteries. Customers do not need to apply for the program. The list of possibly eligible customers has been determined by PG&E.

Customers who receive a letter about the Portable Battery Program should find the phone number of the CBO serving their area on the letter. Each participating CBO is given a specific list by PG&E and contacts only people who are on their list.

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Web pages

• Medical Baseline Program - https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/medical-baseline-program.html
  • See tabs on the page for info on eligibility, how to apply, FAQs, and more.
  • Page lists qualifying medical conditions & devices.
• Portable Battery Program - https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/portable-battery-program.html
• People who depend on power for medical devices can find info about preparing for PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and unplanned outages on the following web pages:
  • Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) - https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/safety/community-wildfire-safety-program/public-safety-power-shutoffs.html
  • Outage preparedness & support - https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support.html
  • ADA Pacific - https://www.adapacific.org/emergency-preparedness-publications-resources

If equipment needs to be returned, contact FREED (for Nevada & Placer County).  

Program Phones: 877-660-6789 Toll free

Website: www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/medical-baseline-program.html

Categorized as:

Portable Batteries Electric Service Payment Assistance * Health Conditions Gas Service Payment Assistance * Health Conditions Public Safety Power Shutoff Notice Assistance Utility Service Providers General Disaster Preparedness Information Disaster/Emergency Issues Skip Navigation Links.