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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.