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).

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.
To be qualified to receive a no-cost portable battery customers must:
Live in a high-risk fire area
Be enrolled in PGE's medical certificate program
Be enrolled in PGE's income-qualified bill discount program
After you’ve completed the qualification steps, we’ll send you a registration form to fill out. Once we’ve received the signed and completed form for your portable backup battery power station, we’ll coordinate the process of getting your Champion 1638Wh 120V Power Station delivered to your home.
The backup battery power station 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.
How the process works
Step 1: Once you qualify
PGE will contact you by letter or email and give you the details you’ll need to get started.
Step 2: Your new backup battery is delivered
Your new backup battery is shipped directly to your door at no cost.
Step 3: Get to know your new battery
When your battery arrives, check the user manual to learn how to set it up and charge it. Make sure your battery is always charged in case of an emergency.
Step 4: Have a plan in place
A battery backup power station is not designed to run medical equipment for long periods. It’s still important to have a safety plan in place. Know where you can get the power you need to keep your medical devices running if your electricity is out longer than expected.
Am I enrolled in the Medical Certificate Program?
Find out if you are enrolled in the Medical Certificate Program when you sign into your online account or call customer service.
What are the income qualifications?
PGE uses our Income-Qualified Bill Discount program and other eligibility requirements to qualify customers for this offer. Enrolling will not only qualify you to receive a no-cost battery but will also provide ongoing, monthly discounts on your electricity bill.
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 can the battery run my medical device?
The Champion 120V stores 1,638 Watt Hours of power. For example, it can run a 100W light for 15 hours (1500/100 = 15). Check your medical device’s wattage to estimate how long your backup battery will power it.
Does PGE own my backup battery device?
No, you’ll be the sole owner of the device once it’s delivered to you.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have questions about your battery, email medicalbattery@pgn.com.
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 do I find FAQs about my battery, including how to set it up, charge it and maintain it?
To find answers to commonly asked questions, including set up, charging and maintenance, check the user manual.
What backup battery is available?
We only offer the Champion (1638 Wh) 120V power station. Other devices are not available.
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?
Champion Power Equipment comes with a three-year warranty. For full details about your product’s warranty, please see the Limited Warranty.
Champion Battery resources
Customer support number: 1-877-338-0999
Customer support email: support@championpowerequipment.com
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 Battery 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 Battery 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 medicalbattery@pgn.com.
Any manipulation to the unit or its components will void all warranties.