Discover how the SDG&E Generator Grant Program helped residents in 2021 and 2022 with free backup power, safety training, and wildfire outage support.
Introduction
In recent years, California has faced a surge in power outages due to extreme weather conditions, wildfires, and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). These events have made it essential for residents and businesses to seek reliable backup power solutions. In response, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) launched the SDG&E Generator Grant Program, a targeted initiative to provide eligible customers with financial assistance for backup power systems—primarily generators.
The SDG&E Generator Grant Program 2021 marked the beginning of this effort, aiming to support medically vulnerable and high-risk customers during power shutoffs. Building on that foundation, the SDG&E Generator Grant Program 2022 expanded eligibility and funding, aiming to better support customers in disadvantaged communities or those with medical needs.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the details of both the 2021 and 2022 generator grant programs offered by SDG&E. We’ll explore who was eligible, what support was provided, how to apply, and what the future holds. Whether you’re looking back to understand past opportunities or preparing for future programs, this article breaks everything down clearly and step-by-step—making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the SDG&E Generator Grant Program.
What Is the SDG&E Generator Grant Program?
The SDG&E Generator Grant Program was designed to enhance energy resilience for customers most vulnerable to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)—planned outages that occur during wildfire conditions. These power shutoffs, while intended to reduce fire risks, can create major disruptions for individuals who rely on continuous electricity for medical equipment, mobility devices, or safety systems.
Recognizing the burden that outages place on such customers, SDG&E created the SDG&E Generator Grant Program to distribute portable backup generators free of cost—or at heavily subsidized rates—to qualified applicants. The aim was not just to hand out generators, but to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant backup power in case of extended outages.
Key Features of the Program:
- Free or low-cost portable generators for qualifying households.
- Installation support and safety training provided in some cases.
- Focus on equity, prioritizing low-income, elderly, disabled, or medical baseline customers.
- Outreach efforts to underserved or high fire-threat districts.
The SDG&E Generator Grant Program was not a rebate or a post-purchase refund system. Instead, SDG&E partnered with trusted vendors to directly supply generators and offer assistance for safe use. The program launched in 2021 and evolved in 2022 with expanded reach and improved support.
In the next sections, we’ll break down exactly what happened in 2021 and 2022, and how both phases of the SDG&E Generator Grant Program differed and improved over time.
SDG&E Generator Grant Program 2021: Overview
The SDG&E Generator Grant Program 2021 was launched as a pilot initiative to address urgent needs caused by frequent Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in San Diego County and surrounding high-fire-risk areas. The 2021 program focused on getting support to those who needed it most—particularly during wildfire season.
Launch and Timing:
- Introduced in mid-2021, just ahead of peak wildfire months.
- Ran through the latter part of the year with ongoing enrollment windows.
Target Groups in 2021:
The 2021 program was more limited in scope than later versions. It was exclusively focused on customers who:
- Were enrolled in SDG&E’s Medical Baseline Program (those who rely on powered medical devices).
- Lived in Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire Threat Districts (HFTD).
- Had experienced multiple PSPS events in recent years.
- Were low-income or senior citizens without access to alternate power.
What Was Offered:
- Free portable backup generators, usually rated at around 3,000–4,000 watts.
- Units were delivered directly to the customer or made available at pickup events.
- Some customers received training on safe generator usage, fuel storage, and ventilation safety.
- Generators came with extension cords and operating manuals, helping first-time users avoid safety risks.
Partnerships:
SDG&E worked with:
- Local community-based organizations (CBOs) for outreach.
- Vendors for generator procurement, delivery, and safety education.
- County health agencies to identify at-risk individuals.
Outreach Strategy:
Since the SDG&E Generator Grant Program was new, SDG&E used direct mail, emails, phone calls, and PSPS communication alerts to notify eligible households. Awareness was a major challenge in this initial phase, which led to refinements in 2022.
The 2021 program laid the foundation for more inclusive and proactive support. Now, let’s look at how SDG&E built on these efforts in the SDG&E Generator Grant Program 2022.
SDG&E Generator Grant Program 2022: What’s New?
After receiving positive feedback and identifying gaps in the 2021 rollout, SDG&E expanded and refined the program for 2022. The SDG&E Generator Grant Program 2022 introduced a broader eligibility pool, improved logistics, and greater community engagement to ensure more vulnerable residents could access backup power solutions.
Key Improvements in 2022:
- Expanded Eligibility
- In addition to Medical Baseline customers and high-fire-threat zone residents, the 2022 program included:
- Income-qualified customers outside of the highest fire threat zones.
- Individuals with disabilities or serious health conditions not enrolled in Medical Baseline.
- Households in disadvantaged communities (DACs) as defined by CalEnviroScreen.
- Renters and homeowners were both eligible if other criteria were met.
- In addition to Medical Baseline customers and high-fire-threat zone residents, the 2022 program included:
- Higher Generator Capacity Options
- SDG&E offered more powerful generator models to support increased needs, such as running multiple appliances or life-support systems.
- Some models included inverter technology for cleaner power and lower noise levels, especially useful for sensitive medical equipment.
- Improved Outreach and Application Support
- Multiple languages were used in communications: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and others.
- SDG&E partnered with community-based organizations (CBOs) for door-to-door outreach, event booths, and enrollment drives.
- A dedicated online application portal was launched, with a streamlined process for faster verification.
- Increased Inventory and Faster Delivery
- Learning from 2021, SDG&E pre-secured a larger inventory of generators.
- Delivery times were shortened, and special “Generator Distribution Events” were hosted in affected communities.
- Fuel Assistance and Safety Training
- Some customers received fuel vouchers or were directed to low-cost propane and gasoline options.
- SDG&E and partners hosted virtual and in-person safety workshops to educate users on carbon monoxide risks, ventilation, and proper maintenance.
- Feedback Loop and Continuous Monitoring
- SDG&E implemented follow-up surveys and check-ins to gather insights on how useful and effective the support had been.
- Improvements were made dynamically throughout the year based on customer experience.
By the Numbers:
- Thousands of generators distributed across multiple counties.
- Hundreds of new applicants reached through improved CBO partnerships.
- Reduced outage-related hospital visits among enrolled Medical Baseline users.
The 2022 SDG&E Generator Grant Program reflected SDG&E’s evolving commitment to customer resilience, accessibility, and wildfire preparedness. With both the 2021 and 2022 phases covered, let’s now explore who specifically qualified for the program.
Who Qualified for the Generator Grant Program?
One of the most important aspects of the SDG&E Generator Grant Program (2021–2022) was ensuring that the right people received support—those who were most at risk during planned or emergency power shutoffs. SDG&E focused on equity and inclusivity when designing its eligibility criteria, gradually broadening its scope from 2021 to 2022.
Let’s break down who qualified during these two phases.
Eligibility in 2021: Narrow but Focused
In its initial year, SDG&E kept the program highly targeted. Customers had to meet all of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in the Medical Baseline Program (i.e., require electricity for medical devices such as oxygen machines, CPAPs, or power wheelchairs).
- Live in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire Threat District as designated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
- Have experienced two or more PSPS outages in the past two years.
- Demonstrate low-income status, often through participation in programs like CARE or FERA.
- Not already own or have access to a generator.
This meant the program was sharply focused on medically vulnerable individuals in fire-prone areas.
Expanded Eligibility in 2022: More Inclusive
To reach more customers in need, SDG&E loosened and broadened its criteria in 2022. Applicants had to meet one or more of the following qualifications:
- Be enrolled in the Medical Baseline Program or have a disability or chronic illness requiring powered equipment.
- Live in a high fire-threat area (Tier 2 or 3) OR a Disadvantaged Community (DAC).
- Be income-qualified through participation in:
- CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)
- FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance)
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- Be a senior citizen (age 65+) living alone or with another vulnerable individual.
- Have limited access to emergency shelters or backup resources.
- Be a renter or homeowner (both were eligible if other criteria were met).
Required Documentation:
- Proof of residency in an eligible ZIP code.
- Medical verification (for those not already enrolled in Medical Baseline).
- Proof of income or enrollment in CARE/FERA.
- Statement of generator need and usage intent.
By 2022, SDG&E’s approach recognized that vulnerability isn’t one-size-fits-all. The updated SDG&E Generator Grant Program criteria helped bridge gaps for renters, underserved communities, and non-Medical Baseline residents who still faced serious risk during outages.
Types of Generators and Support Offered
One of the strengths of the SDG&E Generator Grant Program (2021–2022) was that it didn’t just hand out generic equipment—it provided carefully selected, user-friendly portable generators that met safety and performance standards. SDG&E ensured that the machines matched customer needs, especially for medically vulnerable individuals or those unfamiliar with generator use.
Generator Models and Capacity
While models varied slightly year to year, SDG&E typically distributed portable gas-powered or dual-fuel generators in the 2,000–4,000 watt range, suitable for:
- Medical devices (CPAP, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers)
- Refrigerators and small freezers
- Lighting and phone charging
- Internet routers
- Low-wattage space heaters or fans
Some common features included:
- Inverter technology (for sensitive electronics)
- Low noise operation
- Automatic low-oil shutdown
- Multiple outlet options (AC and USB)
In 2022, higher-capacity units were also offered to applicants with multiple medical devices or larger household needs.
Support Equipment and Add-ons
Each generator package typically included:
- Heavy-duty extension cords
- Fuel containers
- User manuals and safety checklists
- Wheel kits for easy transport (when applicable)
Training and Safety Guidance
To ensure proper use and avoid hazards like carbon monoxide poisoning, SDG&E provided:
- In-person safety demos (at pickup events or via partner agencies)
- Virtual training videos
- Printed guides covering:
- How to start and stop the generator
- Proper outdoor placement (never indoors!)
- Safe fuel handling and storage
- Maintenance tips for longevity
Optional Installation Services
For a small subset of customers—particularly elderly or physically disabled individuals—SDG&E collaborated with partners to offer:
- Delivery and setup support
- On-site training
- Assistance in placing the unit on a safe outdoor surface
These services made the program not just a product giveaway, but a holistic energy resilience solution.
Application Process Step-by-Step
Applying for the SDG&E Generator Grant Program was designed to be accessible, but like any grant, it involved a few key steps. Whether in 2021 or 2022, the process ensured that applicants were genuinely in need and that the distribution was safe, fair, and well-documented.
Here’s a detailed look at how customers went through the application journey:
Step 1: Notification and Awareness
- Eligible customers were notified via mail, email, text, or phone calls.
- SDG&E also worked with community-based organizations (CBOs) to spread the word at:
- Community centers
- Health clinics
- Food banks and senior centers
Step 2: Accessing the Application
- In 2021, applications were mostly done by phone or with paper forms mailed to customers.
- In 2022, SDG&E launched a dedicated online application portal that streamlined the process.
- Customers could also apply:
- At outreach events
- Through assistance from partner nonprofits
- Via in-home visits (for seniors or disabled residents)
Step 3: Submit Required Documentation
Applicants were typically required to provide:
- Proof of residence (utility bill or ID with address)
- Medical verification (or Medical Baseline enrollment)
- Proof of income level (CARE, FERA, LIHEAP documents)
- Statement confirming:
- No existing generator
- Intention to use generator only during outages
- Ability to store and operate it safely outdoors
Step 4: Eligibility Review and Approval
- SDG&E or a third-party administrator reviewed applications for completeness.
- Qualified applicants received approval within 2–4 weeks (faster in some urgent cases).
- If an applicant didn’t qualify, they were often referred to alternative resources (like rebates or local nonprofit programs).
Step 5: Generator Delivery or Pickup
- Upon approval, customers could:
- Pick up their generator at a designated distribution event, or
- Request home delivery, especially if mobility or transportation was an issue.
At the event or during delivery, customers also received:
- Live training or video demo
- Fueling and storage instructions
- Contact info for follow-up help
Step 6: Post-Program Support
Some applicants were enrolled in follow-up surveys to share their experience, offer feedback, or report on generator usage during outages. This helped SDG&E:
- Track impact and satisfaction
- Improve future disaster preparedness efforts
Benefits of the Program to Residents
The SDG&E Generator Grant Program wasn’t just about handing out equipment—it was a life-impacting intervention that brought tangible benefits to thousands of households across Southern California. From health security to peace of mind, the outcomes were particularly profound for residents living on the margins.
Let’s explore the key ways the 2021 and 2022 grant programs made a difference:
1. Reliable Backup Power During Outages
Residents who received generators gained a critical lifeline during PSPS events and unplanned outages. This was especially vital for:
- Medical Baseline customers relying on devices like oxygen tanks, dialysis machines, or motorized beds.
- Elderly or disabled residents who were more vulnerable in extreme heat or cold.
- Families with young children needing refrigerated medications or safe food storage.
Without a generator, these households faced life-threatening risks. With one, they gained stability.
2. Reduced Emergency Hospital Visits
According to post-program assessments, emergency room visits dropped among enrolled participants during PSPS events. Key reasons:
- Generators kept medical devices powered at home.
- Households didn’t have to evacuate to shelters or emergency centers.
- Stress and panic during outages were significantly reduced.
This also eased the burden on local hospitals and emergency services already stretched thin during wildfire seasons.
3. Increased Preparedness and Safety Awareness
The safety training and support materials that came with the generators helped:
- Educate users on carbon monoxide risks, proper ventilation, and fueling.
- Encourage better disaster planning, like assembling emergency kits.
- Instill confidence in residents previously unprepared for outages.
In other words, the program didn’t just deliver a tool—it delivered knowledge and empowerment.
4. Strengthened Community Resilience
By targeting disadvantaged communities and high fire-threat zones, SDG&E ensured that entire neighborhoods gained resilience. Outcomes included:
- Fewer emergency evacuations during PSPS.
- Stronger community collaboration through local distribution events.
- Greater trust in utility companies and emergency services.
When several homes on a block have power backup, the entire community becomes safer and more stable during crises.
5. Equitable Access to Resources
Low-income and medically vulnerable customers often struggle to afford quality backup power. This program:
- Eliminated financial barriers.
- Offered free, no-strings-attached equipment.
- Served those who would otherwise be left behind in climate-related emergencies.
For many, this was the first time they’d received meaningful disaster-prep support from a utility provider.
Challenges and Criticism
While the SDG&E Generator Grant Program of 2021 and 2022 was widely appreciated and impactful, it wasn’t without its challenges and points of criticism. Like any large-scale emergency initiative rolled out during crisis seasons, the program had areas where improvement was needed.
Let’s look at some of the most common issues reported by participants, watchdog groups, and community advocates:
1. Delays in Delivery and Approval
Many applicants in 2021 reported long waiting periods between applying and receiving their generators, especially:
- During peak fire seasons when demand spiked.
- In remote or rural areas where logistics were complicated.
- For non-English-speaking applicants, whose paperwork took longer to verify.
These delays sometimes meant that by the time the generator arrived, the most urgent PSPS event had already passed.
2. Limited Awareness in Early Phases
In 2021, the program suffered from low visibility. Many eligible residents:
- Didn’t know the program existed, or
- Struggled to understand the application process due to language or digital barriers.
This created a “first-come, first-served” dynamic that sometimes left out the people who needed it most.
3. Generator Limitations
While the generators provided were adequate for essential needs, some users found them:
- Too underpowered to run multiple devices or larger appliances.
- Incompatible with certain high-wattage medical equipment.
- Difficult to operate for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues.
A few also raised concerns about fuel sourcing, as not all residents had easy access to gas or propane—especially during disasters.
4. Eligibility Complexity
Despite expansion in 2022, some residents in moderate-risk or urban areas were still excluded, even if they:
- Had unstable health conditions.
- Lacked other support networks.
- Experienced non-PSPS outages just as frequently.
This led to calls for a more nuanced and flexible eligibility system that accounts for overall vulnerability—not just PSPS exposure.
5. Post-Program Follow-Up
Some critics noted the lack of long-term maintenance support or:
- No fuel refill assistance for low-income customers.
- No battery backup alternatives for those who couldn’t store fuel safely.
- No recycling plan for old or unused generators.
While SDG&E did implement surveys and tracking, ongoing support for equipment upkeep was limited.
Future of Generator Support Programs by SDG&E
Given the success and public response to the 2021 and 2022 SDG&E Generator Grant Programs, many residents, energy policy experts, and community organizations have been asking: What’s next? Will SDG&E continue offering generator support?
While SDG&E has not formally announced a permanent, ongoing generator grant program, all signs point to future versions—and potentially broader forms of backup power support.
1. Continuation Likely for High-Risk Areas
SDG&E has indicated in reports and stakeholder meetings that:
- Programs targeting high fire-threat districts will likely continue or evolve.
- Future efforts may focus more on proactive resilience, including:
- Generator grants
- Battery storage options
- Community microgrids
The goal is to avoid emergency-only responses and move toward year-round preparedness.
2. Shift Toward Cleaner Backup Power
In alignment with California’s clean energy goals, future programs may pivot from:
- Gas-powered generators to solar + battery backup systems
- Programs that incentivize whole-home battery installations, especially in low-income areas
- Greater promotion of zero-emission alternatives, especially where indoor storage is a concern
SDG&E is already involved in pilot programs for battery storage incentives, and the generator grant may be a bridge solution during this transition.
3. Possible Return of the Program in 2025 or Beyond
While there wasn’t a public version of the generator grant program launched in 2023 or 2024, SDG&E’s wildfire mitigation plans have continued to mention:
- The importance of customer resiliency equipment.
- Collaboration with state agencies for funding and grant delivery.
- Potential future funding rounds—either through SDG&E or California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) mandates.
These may come back in the form of:
- Seasonal distribution programs
- Partnerships with county emergency response agencies
- Federal and state disaster relief funding (like FEMA grants)
4. More Community-Centered Approaches
Expect a stronger push toward:
- Grassroots education on energy resilience, building on the foundation of the SDG&E Generator Grant Program.
- Local storage hubs for backup energy access as an evolution of programs like the SDG&E Generator Grant Program.
- Expansion through schools, clinics, and nonprofit partners for deeper community reach, inspired by the impact of the SDG&E Generator Grant Program.
In other words, SDG&E’s future programs may be less individual-focused and more community-integrated.
What Residents Can Do Now:
If you’re interested in future programs:
- Sign up for SDG&E PSPS alerts and Medical Baseline notifications to stay informed about opportunities like the SDG&E Generator Grant Program.
- Follow updates on sdge.com under the “Wildfire Safety” and “Resiliency Programs” sections.
- Reach out to local CBOs or emergency services that partnered with SDG&E in past years—they often get the first wave of SDG&E Generator Grant Program announcements.
- Keep an eye on CPUC and CAL FIRE reports, which influence utility policy and program design.
Conclusion
The SDG&E Generator Grant Program (2021–2022) stands as a powerful example of how utility companies can go beyond their basic services and step into the role of community protectors and resilience builders. In a state where wildfires and power shutoffs are increasingly frequent, such programs can mean the difference between danger and safety, especially for vulnerable households.
Through its initial launch in 2021 and its expanded version in 2022, the program:
- Delivered life-saving backup power to thousands through the SDG&E Generator Grant Program.
- Prioritized equity and access, reaching underserved and high-risk communities.
- Provided hands-on safety education, ensuring users could operate equipment confidently.
- Served as a model for future utility-driven disaster preparedness efforts inspired by the SDG&E Generator Grant Program.
Yes, the SDG&E Generator Grant Program wasn’t perfect—there were delays, eligibility challenges, and generator limitations. But the core mission was successful: keeping people safe and connected when the grid couldn’t.
As California continues to adapt to climate-related disruptions, the hope is that SDG&E—and other utilities—will take what they’ve learned and build even more resilient, clean, and community-centered solutions. Whether through future expansions of the SDG&E Generator Grant Program, solar backup programs, or microgrids, the momentum created by this initiative is a spark worth preserving.
For residents and community leaders alike, the takeaway is clear:
Stay informed. Stay prepared. And stay engaged with programs like the SDG&E Generator Grant Program—because they can truly change lives.