PG&E creates power shutoff alert system
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has developed a new tool that allows anyone to receive notifications about Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, even if they are not PG&E customers or account holders.
Although PG&E customers already will receive alerts specific to their address, this new tool is also especially useful for tenants, caretakers, travelers and parents of school-age children.
If winds and dry conditions, combined with heightened fire risk, threaten a portion of the electric system serving a community, it may be necessary for PG&E to turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. In response to the rapidly-changing environmental conditions in California, beginning with the 2019 wildfire season, PG&E has expanded its PSPS program to include all-electric lines that pass through high fire-threat areas – both distribution and transmission.
Parties interested in receiving PSPS alerts for an address where they don’t receive a bill can select one or more zip codes that they want to receive PSPS alerts about, or select all zip codes in PG&E’s service territory. When a PSPS event is planned for a selected zip code, an alert will be sent to the user telling them how to determine if a specific address in that zip code could be impacted. PG&E account holders don’t need to take any action if they are only concerned about addresses where they receive a bill.
Customer information already on file will be used to send alerts to those Customers. Customers are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date with PG&E so they can be notified if their specific location will be impacted.
To sign up for PSPS Zip Code Alerts, call 1-877-9000-PGE. Alerts will be delivered via automated call. Text and email alerts will be available in the near future.
Health Trust asking for grant proposals for 2019-20
The Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust (PV Health Trust) recently announced the release of its 2019-20 Request for Letters of Intent for organizations striving to promote health, prevent disease and address the healthcare needs of Pajaro Valley residents.
The PV Health Trust’s current five-year strategic plan, through 2020, outlines a commitment to funding and advocacy in four strategic priority areas: Access to Care, diabetes and its contributing risk factors, health professions and oral health. In all of its work, the PV Health Trust prioritizes investment in programs and projects that serve the following populations: children and youth (newborn–age 21), farmworkers and their families and low-income, underserved and undocumented individuals.
With this year’s grantmaking cycle, the PV Health Trust plans to award $225,000 to the most-promising projects proposed in its grant application process. Grants will be awarded to organizations whose efforts advance the PV Health Trust’s mission and the goals outlined in its strategic plan.
For information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the trust’s website at pvhealthtrust.org/programs/grantmaking/, call 761-5695 or email gr****@pv***********.org.
