Questions?
Email our energy experts at ems.answers@eweb.org or call 541-685-7088 for more information and to get started.
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We're committed to delivering safe and reliable power to our customers every day. However, power outages can occur, and a major event such as a severe winter storm, earthquake or wildfire could disrupt utility services for an extended period. Backup generators and other backup power options including battery storage systems can help provide peace of mind should such an event occur, but safety for both you and utility workers should be a top priority. Learn about generator safety here.
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We want to help our customers increase their safety and resilience in a power outage. EWEB is offering a Backup Power Program to assist with the purchase and installation of a backup power system and transfer switch to safely power critical components in a home or small business during an emergency. Backup power systems can include generators, or battery energy storage systems for the purposes of backup power.
Residential loan: Electric residential customers may qualify for up to a $5,000 zero percent interest loan.
- EWEB requires ALL homeowners be loan applicants. Missing homeowner applications will delay your loan application process.
Commercial loan: Electric commercial customers may qualify for a four percent interest loan, with the loan amount based on project details and eligible costs.
Program Eligibility
To participate in EWEB's Backup Power Program, the following requirements must be met:
- The applicant must be an EWEB electric customer.
- The applicant must be the owner of the property.
- A UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved transfer switch or interlock must be installed.* Read more about connecting a portable generator with a transfer switch.
- For a stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS), the following interconnection requirements need to be followed:
- EWEB’s standard EC5-A.8000 Interconnection Requirements for Customer Generation Facilities of Less than 200 kW.
- Must be listed in the California Energy Commission’s Solar Equipment Lists.
- Must isolate itself from EWEB's electric distribution system through automatic means when the BESS switches to backup mode. There should be no instance where the BESS is able to dispatch onto EWEB's electric distribution system.
- Disconnect switch on the AC side of the inverter shall be provided within 5 feet of the meter if the service is a CT service.
- BESS installer can work with EWEB Systems Engineering on these requirements.
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- The installation must be permitted, inspected and approved in compliance with the National Electric Code along with local, county and state requirements.
For safety reasons, we recommend that a licensed electrician perform the installation.
*EWEB will evaluate on a case-by-case basis applications from customers affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. Impacted customers may meet the transfer switch/interlock requirement at a later date if the generator is temporarily being used as a portable device and not connected to a panel that is connected to utility electric service. Customers with a generator connected to a panel that is connected to utility electric service must have a transfer switch or interlock.
Get started
Apply online here. When we receive your application, we will send you a confirmation email. To apply for the loan, check the "Interested in a Loan" box in the application and you will be guided through the required fields.
Choosing the right backup power system
An electrician can help you decide what type and size backup power you need.
When determining the size or capacity of your backup system, ensure it can supply the maximum starting power demands, as well as the running demands of the various electronics that you wish to power. All electronic devices require a certain number of watts to run continuously AND some require an additional number of watts to start or to cycle on.
Portable backup generators may provide power that is uneven and voltage surges could compromise sensitive circuits in electronics such as computers. One option to address this is to use inverter portable generators, which are designed to produce clean and stable power.
Check out our Residential Sizing Guidelines. This information is general and should be used as a guide only. Please check with your backup system sales representative, manufacturer, contractor or electrician to find a backup system that will meet your needs safely and effectively.
Related Programs
Protect your electronic equipment
Electronics can be damaged by momentary high voltage, often called a surge or spike. Protecting your electronics is as simple as choosing a quality surge protector.
Know your electric panel
We regularly receive reports of power outages that are actually a tripped breaker on the customer's circuit panel. Checking your circuit panel before reporting an outage can save you hassle and money.
Generator safety
Using a generator when the power goes out is a great option, but safety should be the top priority for both you and utility workers.
