PG&E discount for home dialysis

[treehugger]

Hi, I am new (only posted my intro yesterday). I did a search for this topic to make sure I am not repeating oft-discussed info, but couldn't find anything.

We've been having several short power outages a week lately, and my husband called PG&E (our local power company in NorCal) to find out why. He happened to mention that he is on PD, and was told that PG&E offers a discount to home dialysis users because they know the machine has to be on for so many hours every day. They are mailing us a form to fill out, so I have no idea how big a discount yet, but certainly every little bit helps.  We had no clue this discount existed.

Just wanted to pass this on. Even if you aren't with PG&E, I think it wouldn't hurt to call your local power company to check about a discount. You just never know.

Kara

[David13]

Great information, treehugger!  Thanks for passing it along. 

[jbeany]

I think most power companies offer a discount if you have a life support system in the home.  Mine does, although they had to send me a form letter for my doctor to sign.  It took them a while to get it changed o the computer after I sent the letter, but it eventually helped a lot with the fees.

[jdy123]

I have the discount too from SCE.  I had to called SCE because we had mandatory power shutdowns during the summer.  Since I had life support equipment, my house was exempt and I can use more power before my rates are jacked up.

[peleroja]

I have the discount too from SCE.  I had to called SCE because we had mandatory power shutdowns during the summer.  Since I had life support equipment, my house was exempt and I can use more power before my rates are jacked up.

I also have the discount from SCE.  In addition to the discount,I've been told we are on a list of homes to be powered up first due to our need for electricity for health reasons.

[thegrammalady]

well i'll be durned......pigs, goats and elephants.....will wonders never cease...................

[george40]

Im calling progress energy tomorrow. This is great news. Anyone know of any other savings out here? 

[treehugger]

So glad to hear that this seems to be a common discount with power companies. Of course, they don't actually advertise it, so it's up to us to spread the news by word of mouth. 

Also, discount or not, good suggestion about informing your power company that there are life support machines operating in your home. Our power goes off semi-regularly on hot late afternoons/early evenings in the summer (when everyone gets home from work and turns on the a/c).

Kara

[george40]

Progress Energy in NC told me they do not have a discount.

[alrightstill]

This is GREAT news!   

We are also on the list to get power turned back on first but had no idea about the discount. We use JCP&L.  Will call tomorrow and let you guys know!

[treehugger]

So, PG&E did mail us the form. We have one side to fill out; the other side is for Joe's doctor. He will take it with him to his next appointment. Still have no idea how much the discount is, so it will just be a nice surprise.

Kara