PG&E Providing Grants to Fund the Operation of Cooling Centers
June 15 2020 - 1:32PM
Business Wire
Even with COVID-19’s Continued Impacts, Cooling
Centers to Play an Important Role
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) continues to provide
financial grants to fund the operation of existing county- or
city-run cooling centers. The centers provide a safe, comfortable
location with air conditioning for those who need it. Many
organizations are updating and modifying their approach to cooling
centers this year to take into account the impacts of COVID-19 and
the need to physically distance and/or wear masks or personal
protective equipment (PPE).
PG&E has long-supported cooling centers in locations in its
service area where summer temperatures typically reach triple
digits. These centers help fill a critical need for those who might
not have the financial means to cool and shelter themselves from
dangerous and prolonged temperatures.
PG&E is providing grants to the cities of Arvin, Fowler,
Fresno, Madera, San Jose, Sanger and Stockton as well as to the
Kern County Aging and Adult Services, Kern County Parks and
Recreation and the Merced County Office of Emergency Services. The
more than $80,000 in total grants help ensure customers have a
safe, cool place to escape the heat and an opportunity to save on
energy bills.
"Cooling centers are a critical resource for customers during
the summer months, particularly those among the at-risk
populations, like seniors. Safety precautions are being implemented
to further protect visitors including enhanced cleaning and
disinfecting amid the coronavirus pandemic,” said Laurie Giammona,
PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.
The grants can be used to purchase PPE as well as hand sanitizer
and masks to enhance safety at the centers, among other items.
Visitors and staff at the cooling centers may be encouraged or
required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and
conduct a health screening before entering. The use of some
recreational equipment and games may be restricted depending on the
location of the center.
Cooling centers will be open to the public when the temperatures
are forecast by the National Weather Service to exceed thresholds
set by each area.
PG&E began funding cooling centers as part of a pilot
project in 2007 following a 2006 heat wave in the state.
Since 2007, PG&E has provided more than $500,000 to support
established cooling centers, most located in local government-run
senior centers or neighborhood parks and recreation centers.
To find a Cooling Center near you, please call your local city
or county government, or call PG&E’s toll-free Cooling Center
locator line at 1-877-474-3266 or visit pge.com/coolingcenters.
PG&E is interested in funding the operation of more local
Cooling Centers throughout our service area. For more information
please contact PG&E at CoolingCenters@pge.com.
PG&E Tips to Stay Safe and Cool
- Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast to prepare for
hot days.
- Keep an emergency contact list: Keep a list of emergency
phone numbers.
- Have a buddy system: During a heat wave, check in on
elderly or frail people.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even when you are
not thirsty.
- Stay cool: Take a cool shower or bath and wear
lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.
- Stay safe: Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid
alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas
and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San
Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers
some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in
Northern and Central California. For more information, visit
pge.com and pge.com/news.
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