Ahead of the height of wildfire season, Southern California Edison is launching enhanced support for customers with access and functional needs — such as individuals with disabilities and medical conditions, those requiring assistive technologies and customers with financial needs — to prepare for potential emergencies, including power outages from Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Enhancements include easier-to-understand customer communications, support for customer resiliency planning and outage support.

“We know power outages create hardships for our customers, and we are enhancing our services to enable customers to plan for emergencies and to help them stay safe during these stressful times,” said Jennifer Ocampo, who works in customer support services at SCE. “We want our customers to be prepared and to know that we are here for them.”

Even as SCE continues to make its system more resistant to stronger winds, ongoing drought conditions mean a spark from windblown debris hitting power lines could cause a significant wildfire that threatens communities. As a result, SCE uses PSPS as a tool of last resort to keep communities safe during dangerous conditions when strong winds combined with dry terrain increase the threat of fire.

The enhancements launched this year build on existing customer support programs for all customers in high fire risk areas before and during PSPS events. Some of those efforts include providing advance PSPS notifications and the deployment of Community Resource Centers and mobile Community Crew Vehicles to support customers during emergencies. To communicate with customers with language needs who visit the field sites, SCE uses a mobile application to provide translation services, including American Sign Language.

This year, SCE has also expanded eligibility for qualified customers to receive a portable backup battery solution at no cost. Customers may be prequalified if they reside in high fire risk areas and are enrolled in SCE’s Medical Baseline Allowance program.

SCE worked directly with customers and built on partnerships with community-based organizations, such as independent living centers and healthcare entities including the California Rural Indian Health Board and the California Hospital Association, to develop the specific and needed support enhancements this year.

“We listened to our customers, who ultimately know best what they need to be able to plan for emergencies and we are excited to work to provide that additional support,” said Ocampo.

Several of the enhancements are offered through the 211 Network, comprised of 13 contact centers throughout California working together to connect the community to available health and social service resources.

Visit SCE’s customer resources page for additional information and links regarding rebates and programs.