Dear Mono Basin RPAC Subscribers,
Below is the follow-up information requested from SCE:
Thank you for welcoming me to your RPAC meeting last evening, and for the kindness and resiliency demonstrated during this series of storms and unplanned outages. I confirmed with grid-operations that the irregularities were caused by frequency variances operating the Lundy Powerhouse in an isolated/islanded configuration. These manual control settings are being remedied, but I want to encourage customers to continue preparing emergency preparedness plans for their individual households, water districts, etc. Please see the information provided below about various programs SCE offers to its Medical Baseline customers and those living in CPUC designated High Fire Risk Areas (HFRA). I’ve also included some high-level information about spring runoff as I know this year’s historic snowpack and its potential impacts remain on everyone’s minds.
Spring Runoff FAQ:
- Though we are anticipating increased water flows into and out of our reservoirs during peak runoff (June- August), we do not believe these flows will pose significant dam safety risks.
- The safety of our employees, contractors, and communities is our number one priority. We continue to operate our hydro-electric system with restrictions on reservoir levels to meet safety and seismic requirements and inspect all SCE dams regularly per state and federal guidelines.
- With the work completed since 2017 (Rush Creek), we do not currently anticipate the need for major construction work. The improvements allow us to more effectively manage the release of excess water and reduce potential downstream impacts.
- Though our team develops and consults forecasting models, weather is always unpredictable and there are several variables which remain unknown.
- We are reducing water levels in our reservoirs to effectively manage capacity and the flow of projected natural snowmelt runoff. We do this by draining excess water through the powerhouse, large pipes, and relief valves.
- SCE is working with local agencies to provide timely updates regarding our planning and the timing of any needed water releases.
- We are also working with federal and state agencies to ensure mitigation strategies are comprehensive to help prepare customers located in downstream communities. We have also reviewed and amended our Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in consultation with governmental partners and key-stakeholders.
Measuring the Impact of a Record Snowpack [1]
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Medical Baseline Allowance Program (Overview):
If you or someone in your household requires the regular use of electrically-operated medical equipment or other qualifying medical devices, our Medical Baseline Allowance program can provide an extra 16.5 kilowatt hours of electricity per day. Provided at the lowest baseline rate, this helps offset the cost of operating the medical equipment. Regardless of your household income, you may qualify if you meet the eligibility requirements below. We encourage you to apply for the Medical Baseline Allowance. You may be eligible for the Medical Baseline Allowance if you or another full-time resident in your home:
Requires the regular use of electrically-operated medical/life support equipment to sustain, replace, or restore a vital physical function, and/or
Is affected by a condition including multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, or is paraplegic, quadriplegic, or hemiplegic (see list on sce.com/medicalbaseline), or
Has a life-threatening illness or compromised immune system that requires heating and/or cooling.
More Information [2]
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Portable Power Generator Rebates Program (Overview):
Beginning September 1, 2022, you may be eligible to receive a $200 rebate (or a $600 rebate for income-qualified or medical baseline customers) for the purchase of a qualifying Portable Power Generator. You must be located in an area designated as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 high fire risk area. Start shopping today for a generator or apply for your rebate on SCE Marketplace. If you Already purchased a qualifying generator and would like to claim your rebate visit the SCE Marketplace and click the Product Rebate (Quick Link) to apply for your rebate.
Search Eligible Generators [3] | Learn More About SCE Marketplace [4] | View our Portable Power Generator Educational Video [5] | More Information [6]
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Critical Care Backup Battery Program (Overview):
Providing reliable power and keeping customers safe is a priority. We are committed to helping households that require the use of electrically powered medical devices be ready for an unexpected power outage. Our CCBB program offers you a free portable backup battery to power your medical devices in the event of a power outage. And, should the power outage be an emergency that requires you to evacuate, this portable temporary power may also help while you relocate to safety. You may be prequalified if you reside in high fire risk areas [7] and are enrolled in our Medical Baseline Allowance program [2], which requires the regular use of electrically powered medical equipment or another qualifying medical device.
qualified medical devices [2] | Learn More About SCE Marketplace [4]| More Information [8] | Media [9]
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Portable Power Station Program (Overview):
A portable power station can help power small devices and household appliances for a limited time to help you be more resilient during an emergency. Beginning September 1, 2022, if you purchase qualifying models and live in an area designated as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 high fire risk area, you could receive a $150 rebate.
Search Eligible Batteries [10] | Learn More About SCE Marketplace [4] |View Portable Power Station Educational Video [11] | More Information [6]
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CARE/FERA Financial Assistance for Families and Individuals (Overview):
SCE understands that many customers continue to struggle financially, and that sometimes other expenses must come first. Our Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) and California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) financial assistance programs help qualifying families of all sizes lower their monthly energy bills when they need it most.
More Information [12]
V/R
Matthew Paruolo
Government Relations Manager
Local Public Affairs – Northwest Region
matthew.paruolo@sce.com [13] | M. 760-851-4031 | @SCE_MatthewP
4000 E. Bishop Creek Road, Bishop, CA, 93514

