Southern California Edison (SCE) has broadened the eligibility for its Critical Care Backup Battery Program, enabling more customers within the Medical Baseline program and residing in high fire risk areas to qualify for a complimentary solar-powered backup battery system. This expansion aims to bolster resilience for vulnerable individuals who depend on electricity for essential medical equipment.
Valarie Hernandez, Principal Manager at SCE’s Customer Care Department, emphasized the critical need for preparedness, stating, “Though all Californians must prepare for potential power disruptions, it’s especially vital for customers relying on electric medical devices and living in high fire risk zones.” The critical care backup battery program directly addresses this need.
Through the utility’s Critical Care Backup Battery Program, Medical Baseline customers can now secure a portable backup battery, complete with renewable charging capabilities via an accompanying solar panel. This initiative offers enhanced peace of mind, ensuring power availability during emergencies, whether at home or when evacuating. The appropriate battery size is determined based on individual medical device requirements.
Eligible customers will receive direct communication from SCE, detailing program enrollment and outlining the process of consulting with an SCE-approved contractor. This contractor will assess battery size needs and manage the free delivery and setup of both the backup battery and solar panel system. This streamlined approach ensures ease of access to the critical care backup battery program benefits.
“SCE is committed to empowering our customers to effectively prepare for potential outages caused by unforeseen weather events and emergencies,” Hernandez added. “The Medical Baseline and Critical Care Backup Battery programs are specifically designed to support our customers, enhancing their resilience and providing crucial assistance before emergencies strike.”
The Medical Baseline program itself offers crucial support by providing enrolled customers with additional electricity at the lowest baseline rate, helping to mitigate the operational costs of essential medical equipment.
Eligibility for the Medical Baseline program encompasses customers who:
- Depend on life-sustaining medical devices or equipment crucial for restoring vital physical functions, including mobility aids.
- Are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and require air conditioning for health reasons.
- Suffer from life-threatening illnesses, compromised immune systems, or other conditions necessitating heating and/or cooling.
Customers not currently meeting the Critical Care Backup Battery Program criteria may still qualify for the Medical Baseline program. Comprehensive guidelines are available at sce.com/medicalbaseline, accessible in 19 languages, including Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
For further information regarding rebates and incentives for portable power solutions, including the Critical Care Backup Battery Program, please visit sce.com/customerresources.
