PGE Medical Battery Support
While we do everything we can to prevent them, sometimes power outages happen. In the winter, storms are often the cause. And in the summer wildfire season, when extreme weather conditions warrant, we may proactively turn off power in what’s called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Select qualified customers are eligible to receive a no-cost battery in 2024
For our Medical Certificate customers, we realize an outage of any length can be serious. To help prepare, PGE is providing Medical Certificate customers who are income-qualified and live in a high fire-risk area with a no-cost portable, backup battery device.
If you qualify, we’ll contact you.
This is a limited offering. PGE has pre-qualified customers who are eligible. These are Medical Certificate customers living in a high fire-risk area who are income-qualified.
If you’ve been pre-qualified, we’ll send you an email and letter inviting you to enroll in the program. Because this is the first year we're offering this, it's limited to a small number of pre-qualified customers. If pre-qualified customers do not enroll within 30 days of receiving the PGE offer, PGE will offer the device reserved for you to another eligible customer.
Eligibility is limited
If you believe you should be included, please email us at medicalbattery@pgn.com. If this offer is extended, PGE will keep a waitlist of potentially eligible customers.
Once you've completed your enrollment, you’ll receive your portable backup battery power station. It will be yours to keep and use to power your medical equipment if and when a power outage occurs.
The device doesn’t require much maintenance, but there are a few important steps to make sure it’s ready when you need it. Since it will belong to you, you’ll be responsible for making sure those steps are followed and that it’s properly stored and maintained. Enroll within 30 days of receiving the PGE offering to guarantee your device.
Full breakdown of the process
Learn more about the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station
Step 1: Register and sign the liability waiver
If you received a letter or email letting you know you’ve been pre-qualified, please fill out the registration form. Part of the sign-up process includes signing a liability waiver and providing your name, address, phone number and email for shipping purposes.
Step 2: Your new backup battery gets delivered.
Once you sign up for the program it will ship directly from the manufacturer to the address you provide.
Please note: Because these devices contain a large internal battery, they’re heavy — around 50 pounds. So if you need help getting it into your home and setting it up near your medical equipment, please contact a family member, friend or neighbor.
Step 3: Familiarize yourself with your new device.
To get the most from your new power station, make sure to read through the user manual and learn how to charge it, keep it charged and set it up for use with your medical equipment.
In the meantime, check out this helpful video on setting up your device when it arrives.
Step 4: Create a comprehensive outage plan.
A battery backup power station isn’t intended to keep your medical equipment running for long periods of time. Instead, it should be used to temporarily power critical devices during the hours spent finding a more long-term power source during an outage. That’s why it’s important to have a plan that includes steps to remain safe in case an outage lasts longer than anticipated. Once you have a plan in place, make sure you’re familiar with it and review it on a regular basis, so you’re always ready to act when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Am I in a high fire-risk area?
You can see if you’re located in a high fire-risk area by visiting our PSPS Planning Map.
Am I enrolled in the Medical Certificate Program?
Find out if you are enrolled and learn more about the Medical Certificate Program here.
What do I owe PGE?
If you’ve been pre-identified as a Medical Certificate Customer who’s currently living in a PSPS high fire-risk area and is income qualified, you’re eligible for a portable backup battery device at no cost to you. You’ll receive it once you complete the required sign-up process.
Will PGE make money from my purchase?
No, PGE does not financially profit from this offer.
What does this backup battery do?
This battery can provide you with power during an outage. You can plug in most devices to the front of the unit. The amount of time it can power a medical device will vary, it depends on the type of device and the power required to run it. You can learn more about how long this battery can power different types of devices here.
How long will the battery run my medical device?
The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X stores 1500 Watt Hours of power. This means it should run a 100W light for 15 hours (1500/100 = 15). You will want to check the wattage of your device to estimate how long it will remain powered by the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X. Learn more about what Yeti batteries can power by watching this short video.
You can also check this reference guide for estimated run times.
What if I don’t want a backup battery?
You’re not required to sign up. If you decline to do so, or if you do not enroll within 30 days of receiving the PGE offer, PGE will offer the device reserved for you to another eligible customer on the waitlist.
Does PGE own my backup battery device?
No, you’ll be the sole owner of the device once it’s delivered to you.
I know someone else who meets the program criteria, but they were not pre-identified, can they sign up?
A customer who was not pre-identified for this program who believes they are eligible can email medicalbattery@pgn.com for more information.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can email medicalbattery@pgn.com with any questions about receiving your device, or you can contact Goal Zero at support@goalzero.com or call 1-888-794-6250 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST with questions about the device itself.
How many devices do I qualify for? Can I get more than one portable battery?
Unfortunately, this offer only provides one device per eligible account.
Where can I find Device FAQs, including how to set it up, charge it and maintain it?
For complete Device FAQs, including how to set it up, charge it and maintain it, review the user manual or the Goal Zero FAQ website.
Still have questions about your new device? Contact Goal Zero at support@goalzero.com or call 1-888-794-6250 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST with questions about the device itself.
What backup battery is available?
We are offering the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station. Alternative devices are not available.
How do I recharge my backup battery?
You can charge it using a standard AC wall outlet, a car charging port or solar panels. Be sure to review the User Manual for details on how to correctly set up and charge your device. If you have questions, call the Goal Zero support team at support@goalzero.com or call 1-888-794-6250 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST.
How do I dispose of my battery backup device at the end of its useful life?
Please do not dispose of your device in the trash. Batteries contain materials that should not go in typical household garbage. Visit oregonmetro.gov to find Portland-area resources where you can properly dispose of your device.
How does the warranty work?
The warranty for Goal Zero products is 2 years. Please refer to the Limited Warranty for complete details regarding your product's specific warranty.
If you would like to extend your warranty beyond the included 2 years, Goal Zero offers an extended warranty that can be purchased separately.
Additional Resources
Goal Zero Resources
Customer support number: 1-888-794-6250 Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST
Customer support email: support@goalzero.com
Additional Support Resources
Oregon Department of Human Services
Dial 211
Wildfire Resources 1-833-669-0554
Safe + Strong Helpline 1-800-923-HELP
For people living with disabilities, it's important to create an emergency plan for specific needs. Visit these websites to learn about making a plan, putting together a kit, communication, equipment and more:
Emergency Alerts
Sign up for emergency alerts in your area.
Make sure your cell phone has Wireless Emergency Alerts turned on. 
Get the FEMA mobile app for severe weather alerts and disaster resources.
Operating your Battery Safely
Observe all Input/Output connectors ratings: To avoid fire or electrical shock hazard, observe all ratings on unit, and products you intend to use; check manuals for more information.
Use in a ventilated area: Ensure proper ventilation while in use and do not obstruct fan openings on unit. Inadequate ventilation may cause damage to the unit. Do not stack anything on top of the unit in storage or in use.
Power supplies will get hot when in use: Keep your Yeti Power supply in a dry, well ventilated area when in use. Do not keep the power supply under the lid when in use.
DO NOT operate in wet conditions: In order to avoid short circuits or electric shock do not allow unit to get wet. Let unit dry completely before using.
Keep the unit clean and dry: Inspect the unit for dirt, dust, or moisture on a regular basis.
Shock or Fire Hazard: This Yeti generates the same potentially lethal AC power as a normal household wall outlet. Please use it carefully just like using a normal AC outlet on the wall.
DO NOT insert foreign objects into outputs or ventilation holes.
DO NOT tamper with or attempt to replace your battery. For information about a replacement battery contact the Goal Zero solutions center.
Any manipulation to the unit or its components will void all warranties.