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PG&E Shut-off Plan to Prevent Fire Poses Trouble for Vulnerable Customers

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]There are many people who have a disability, and require machines that help them breathe, eat, and move, among other things. These machines require electricity for optimal and seamless functioning. Each year, as summer approaches and brings along wildfire season, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) may be turning off power to prevent fires, and this can be extremely worrying for such vulnerable customers and their loved ones.

This move began after the devastating Camp Fire that led to mass destruction, and financially crippled the company, which then filed for bankruptcy (PG&E equipment had a role to play in starting the wildfire).

When the power goes off, a backup battery or generator can provide backup for just a few hours or even days, and loved ones would have to transport these vulnerable customers to emergency rooms.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]PG&E Shut-Off Plan[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1632556141455{margin-top: 8px !important;}" uncode_shortcode_id="576270"]PG&E customers can enroll for the company’s assistance program that ensures customers get a two-day notice if the utility company is shutting off power. While this can be of help, it does not include all vulnerable residents in the service territory.The California Public Utilities Commission that regulates PG&E opined that the company should also explore wildfire prevention measures which could go a long way in preventing forced power shut down, and keep vulnerable customers safe. However, there is still a long way to go before this happens.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Alternate Solution for Customers[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602272469669{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Rather than relying solely on PG&E for its electricity needs to power life-saving machinery and gadgets, customers can turn to a backup power company. This city is home to a number of solar energy companies, and is also renowned for its rooftop solar panels that are used ubiquitously by the residents of the city.

Sonoma County residents and business owners should consider installing rooftop solar panels offered by several renewable energy companies in Petaluma or look at other renewable energy sources available in the region to meet their electricity requirements when PG&E forces power outages.

While forced power outages are supposed to be the last resort, PG&E is not risking it due to the financial toll it experienced last year when California was struck down by the biggest wildfire in its history. The shut-off plan by the utility has been severely criticized, but this does not help vulnerable customers who need life-saving machinery to operate without a hitch.

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2019 California Solar Credits and Incentives

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]In case you were wondering when is the right time to contact one of the solar companies in Santa Rosa, 2019 is the year for that perfect solar transition. This is especially true if you are a resident of California, since the government has been undertaking willful initiatives for implementing maximum solar electricity units before the next decade counts in.

For bringing the US Government’s vision to fruition, the ITC (Investment Tax Credit) has brought into implementation, a flat 30% credit on your total purchase and installation cost of domestic and commercial solar electricity units and systems.

And guess what, this offer would be valid till 2020, after which the rate will fall down to 26%.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Offerings of the Federal Government[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602272920760{margin-top: 24px !important;}"]

Avail 30% CREDIT in 2019As per the official documents released by the federal government, those solar PV systems that were brought into service before December 31st, 2019 are to be considered eligible for the above-mentioned 30% tax credit.

Please bear in mind that whenever you put your solar PV systems into service after December 31, 2019 or after January 1st, 2020 through December 31st2020, the tax credit amount will be 26%. This clearly shows how much profit you can claim if you introduce solar panels before the mentioned dates.

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Hurry Up for Exclusive Solar Incentives!As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. Similarly, in the form of domestic solar projects, you need to take advantage of the current situation in the solar marketplace.
Now is the time to transform the way you consume electricity. With solar panels and the entire electricity-producing unit being placed at your place, you can certainly wait for magic when it comes to your monthly electricity bills.

It is a given that solar-powered electricity is unlikely to become expensive. Nevertheless, the initiatives of our government clearly show that there will be a massive difference in the solar tax you require paying post-2020.

So, act early and adapt to the changing environment. Install solar, and live a stress-free life with an exchange for a fair credit.

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Calistoga Estate

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Located in the serene setting of Calistoga, California, is this modern estate. Summit Technology Group provided electrical design-build, technology, and renewables. The installation consisted of multiple systems, including smart home automation by Control4, security and surveillance, Lutron lighting control, and solar. This magnificent project was built by Total Concepts and designed by Wade Design Architects.

KNIGHTS END BARN

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Located in the majestic appellations between Calistoga & Healdsburg is this modern & sleek barn designed by Nielsen Schuh Architects and built by Jim Murphy & Associates. Summit Technology Group provided technology and electrical design-build services and installation, which consisted of multiple systems, including access control, surveillance, Savant automation, Lutron lighting control, Color Kinetic & DMX lighting, and Lutron motorized shades. Each system posed a different level of complexity regarding how it received power and control, which had to be engineered to work seamlessly from a user experience perspective. The client has the option to push one button to access everything, making it simple and user-friendly. The wine cave received the same attention to detail, drawing you in from every area of the property.

UP, UP & AMAZING

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Nestled above the valley is one of the most tech-savvy homes in Northern California. It’s as simple as pushing a button called “Entertainment” on an iPhone device to give the entire property “an alive feeling,” as one of the owners said. All outdoor lights come on, the firepit whooshes to life, and the speakers surrounding the pool flood the environment with music. And that’s just an everyday experience.

The kids like to gather in sleeping bags on the retractable pool cover that holds 2,000 pounds to eat popcorn and watch a movie on the big screen TV by the pool. This is where the clients take in their morning news along with their coffee. The outdoor movie screen is 10’x20’, inflatable, and flanked by proper speakers amid a stunning starry backdrop. Control4 systems work well for families. The interface is intuitive enough for kids to easily navigate, and the interface is exactly the same on their iPhone. If a houseguest is intimidated by all the buttons, “just read them and you’ll know what to do,” said the client.

The clients can see where their four dogs cuddle up while they’re away on vacation via one of 12 connected security cameras. When coming back from a restaurant downtown, they often turn the hot tub on remotely so it is ready for a dip by the time they get home. As they climb the mountain, they tap the “Evening” scene, which turns on the pre-selected lighting levels as they enter the property. They can save energy while they’re out, yet come back to a well-lit property.

There are screens to see who’s at the front gate and a button to open it in every room. There’s a button on each side of the master bed that lets them turn everything off again just before going to sleep, except for low-energy under-cabinet lighting, which is especially handy for navigating in the dark. But perhaps their favorite feature is the one that shuts off the kids’ TVs, game consoles, Roku, and more at exactly 10 p.m. Control4 home automation makes the mundane outsourceable, so your time is available to spend on the really important things in your life. Summit is proud of this one-of-a-kind project and working with this family in such an amazing setting.

KENWOOD ESTATE

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Located in Kenwood, California, this impeccable estate enjoys endless views of the surrounding vineyards. Summit provided complete design-build services for this beautiful estate, which is packed with the latest and best technology on the market. This home is fully automated with distributed audio & video throughout, lighting control, security & alarm systems, as well as climate control for comfort and energy management. Everything can be controlled from virtually anywhere using a smartphone, tablet device, or a convenient touchscreen.

The dedicated custom home theater, along with the outdoor entertainment area, makes this estate one of a kind. Summit is known for highly discreet trim for lighting, speakers, and all-in-one home technology, and we are proud of the magnificence of the final product. We are honored to have been part of such a masterpiece.

SONOMA COUNTY MAN-CAVE

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Located in Petaluma, California, this man-cave is one of the most impressive tech man-caves around. This high-tech space features contemporary furnishings, an entertainment center, and smart home automation from Control4 to enhance the ambiance and add the ultimate convenience. Broadcast the music or video of your choice using a whole-home audio and video distribution system, powered by Control4. The recessed smart lighting and accent lighting are designed to create the perfect personalized ambiance. Summit Technology partnered with Vita Pehar, Lighting Design Consultant, to create that man-cave atmosphere and bring the endless details Summit Technology is known for.

BELVEDERE

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Looks like Forty-Five Million Bucks! This custom residence in Belvedere, which is currently on sale for $45 million, was a pleasure to work on. Summit wired the entire house—electrical, audio/video, and security. This high-end installation is a great example of the work that Summit can do. There is an iPad mounted in the wall of each room, allowing whole-house control, visibility of security cameras, and music in each location independently or throughout the whole house. This home has been featured in several publications, and we are very proud to have been a part of it!

SONOMA RESIDENCE

PROJECT SUMMARY:

We are very proud of this project—a custom Sonoma home for a heritage wine-making family, designed by Jessica Hall & Associates. Summit did all that Summit does—electrical, electronics, home theater, phones and data, security, lighting control, and solar at this custom residence in Sonoma. This project will soon be featured in an architectural publication.

GLEN ELLEN RESIDENCE

PROJECT SUMMARY:

On this lovely Glen Ellen residence, we did all that Summit does – A/V, Electrical, Phones and Data, Solar. Our specialty is to give the client "one choke point" for all things electrical and electronic. Once again, providing Northern California clients with the Total Solution!