PG&E partners up with California 211 to assist people during an emergency

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- PG&E announced Wednesday that the company is partnering up with California 211 to alert customers in its coverage area during critical times of disaster.

They said that this service will also include United Way Monterey County, a non-profit beneficiary from a PG&E grant for $10,000 earlier this year.

PG&E said that the alert system is free, confidential and available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. According to PG&E, California 211 is hoping to connect people to local resources and is available in 150 languages.

“211 has proven to be a critical resource and partner by keeping families informed and connected to resources," said Teresa Alvarado, vice president for PG&E’s South Bay and Central Coast region.

PG&E says that customers can reach out for help preparing for a potential power outage or any other kind of emergency.

In 2023, PG&E says that 211 Monterey County responded to over 13,700 calls and text messages for people seeking housing and human services as well as utility assistance, food, transportation and healthcare.

“As we work to improve our energy system’s resilience to extreme climate conditions, we’re also looking at all the possible ways we can support our customers during outages,” said Alvarado.

While 211 provides proactive outreach to all PG&E customers, it also serves as the first point of contact for those with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) before, during and after a Public Safety Power Shut Off (PSPS), according to PG&E.