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Free $500 Generator or Battery Program - PGE
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Free $500 Generator or Battery Program - PGE

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income eligible
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Auto Summary
Up to $500 back from PG&E for buying a new portable generator or battery. Base rebate $300, plus $200 more for CARE/FERA participants. You must have a PG&E account in a Tier 2/3 High Fire-Threat District, High Fire Risk Area, or on an EPSS circuit. Apply within 12 months of purchase or by Dec 31, 2026, whichever is first. First-come, first-served.
Value
$500
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Programa de generador o batería de $500 gratis - PGE
URL
https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources/generator-and-battery-rebate-program.html
Last verified 2026-05-17.
Get up to $500 back from PG&E when you buy a portable generator or battery to keep the lights on during a power shutoff. Base rebate is $300. If you're on CARE or FERA, you get an extra $200.

Who qualifies

You need all three:
  • An active PG&E residential (or business) electric account.
  • Your address is in a Tier 2 or 3 High Fire-Threat District, a High Fire Risk Area, or on an Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) circuit.
  • One rebate per household. The product must be new.
Check your address on PG&E's Wildfire Safety Progress Map — a green bubble means you pre-qualify. [Source: pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources/generator-and-battery-rebate-program.html (accessed 2026-05-17)]

How much you get

  • $300 — base rebate for any qualified customer.
  • +$200 — extra if you're enrolled in CARE or FERA. Total $500.
Not on CARE or FERA yet? Most low-income households qualify — sign up first, then apply for this rebate. CARE alone saves about 20% on your monthly bill.

How to apply

  1. Confirm your address qualifies using the Wildfire Safety Progress Map.
  1. Buy a new generator or battery. Check PG&E's qualified product list, or buy something you can verify is eligible.
  1. Keep your receipt and proof of delivery.
  1. Apply at the PG&E rebate portal within 12 months of purchase, or by December 31, 2026 — whichever comes first.

Common pitfalls

  • Don't apply before delivery. You need proof the product arrived, not just that you ordered it.
  • First-come, first-served. Funding can run out before the December 2026 deadline. Apply as soon as your product is in hand.
  • One per household. If a roommate or family member already claimed it, you can't double up.
  • Used products don't count. It must be new.
  • Address must match. The PG&E account address has to be the qualifying one — not a P.O. box or work address.

Where to get help

  • PG&E customer service: 1-800-743-5000
  • CARE/FERA enrollment help: 1-866-743-2273
  • Local outage prep questions: Call 211 (free, 24/7) for Nevada County referrals.
[Source: pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources/generator-and-battery-rebate-program.html (accessed 2026-05-17)]
[Source: pge.com/assets/pge/docs/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/electric-generator-rebate-terms-conditions.pdf (accessed 2026-05-17)]