More SCE Medical Baseline Customers Eligible for Free Backup Batteries

Those in high fire risk areas with medical needs requiring uninterrupted power may be prequalified for a portable backup battery and solar panel.

Thousands of additional Southern California Edison customers enrolled in the Medical Baseline program and living in high fire risk areas may now qualify for a free, solar-powered backup battery, thanks to the company’s recent program eligibility expansion.

“Though all Californians need to be prepared for potential outages, resiliency planning and preparedness is especially important for our customers who rely on electricity for medical devices and equipment and live in a high fire risk area,” said Valarie Hernandez, a principal manager in SCE’s customer care department.

Medical Baseline customers can now have greater peace of mind with a portable backup battery with renewable charging from an accompanying solar panel through the utility’s Critical Care Backup Battery Program. Depending on the battery size needed, customers can use them at home in case of an emergency and take them along if they need to leave home.

Eligible customers will receive a letter about the program and details on working with an SCE-approved contractor to enroll and determine the appropriate battery size for their medical devices. Once confirmed, a contractor will deliver and set up the backup battery and solar panel for customers free of charge.

Depending on the battery size needed, customers can use them at home in case of an emergency and take them along if they need to leave home. **PHOTO CREDIT: Joseph Foulk**

“SCE wants to help empower our customers to be as prepared as possible for potential outages caused by unexpected weather and other emergencies,” Hernandez said. “The Medical Baseline and Critical Care Backup Battery programs are designed to assist our customers and help provide additional resiliency and support ahead of an emergency.”

Customers enrolled in SCE’s Medical Baseline program receive additional power at the lowest baseline rate to help offset the cost of operating their medical equipment.

Eligible customers for the Medical Baseline program include those who:

Rely on medical devices and equipment vital for life or to restore crucial physical function, including mobility.
Are temperature sensitive and require air conditioning.
Have a life-threatening illness, compromised immune system or other condition requiring heating and/or cooling.

Customers who do not meet the qualifications for the Critical Care Backup Battery Program may still be eligible for Medical Baseline and can find program guidelines at sce.com/medicalbaseline, available in 19 languages, including Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog.

To learn more about rebates and incentives for portable power solutions, including the Critical Care Backup Battery Program, visit sce.com/customerresources.