Backup power for medical devices

If someone at home relies on electricity for oxygen, a CPAP or BiPAP, a power wheelchair or a communication device, these are the five steps that protect them before the next outage or Public Safety Power Shutoff, from SDG&E's own pages.

1. Enroll in Medical Baseline. A doctor certifies the application. Enrolled households can get extra notifications and, during a shutoff, in-person contact attempts by SDG&E or partner agencies. Call 1-800-560-5551 (weekdays 7am to 4pm). New in 2026: SDG&E says the discount will step down "from about 36% to about 20%" over four years, so the bill may rise even if usage doesn't. Medical Baseline, explained.
2. Tell SDG&E about access and functional needs and sign up for shutoff alerts: SDG&E's access and functional needs page.
3. Check the address on the fire map. The rebates and the grant require living in a High Fire Threat District, Tier 2 or 3, with at least one past shutoff: the CPUC fire-threat map.
4. If you qualify, use the 2026 rebate (table below) on a portable power station or generator bought this year. Instant coupons at listed stores, including the Home Depot at 1001 N El Camino Real in Encinitas, expire December 31, 2026. SDG&E's Generator Grant now gives a phone resiliency assessment and information on resources, not the free power station it used to.
5. During a shutoff, call 211 (or 858-300-1211). SDG&E lists hotel stays, accessible transportation, food, emergency kit items, wellness checks and backup power among its shutoff resources; it says assistance "may include information about vouchers or discounts." Community Resource Centers, when open, offer medical device charging.

SDG&E Generator Assistance Program, 2026. All three require a Tier 2 or 3 fire-threat district and a past shutoff.

SDG&E: Medical Baseline or access needs · CARE or FERA · standard · coupon stores.

• A free emergency kit: Access to Independence, the independent living center (Escondido branch, 235 W 5th Ave), gives eligible participants a free emergency backpack and one-on-one emergency planning: 619-293-3500. Details.
• The State's DDAR program offers loaner backup batteries, accessible transportation and short-term housing during shutoffs for people who rely on power for medical devices. Its application lists PG&E and SCE customers, so ask before counting on it: 833-560-5313. DDAR.

PJ handles the forms: getting the Medical Baseline application to the doctor and back, the access-needs sign-up, the fire-map check, the rebate application, and picking up the power station with the coupon. He doesn't do electrical work. Plans start as low as $25. Text PJ · who do I call · heat check · lower the SDG&E bill · senior help directory

Sources: SDG&E, Medical Baseline, Generator Grant, shutoff support, Community Resource Centers and the rebate pages above; CPUC fire-threat maps; Disability Disaster Access & Resources; Access to Independence. Checked October 6, 2026.

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