Medical Equipment During Power Outages | Grid Stability Energy

Medical Equipment During Power Outages

Essential planning guide for keeping life-sustaining and critical medical devices running when the power goes out.

If you or a family member depends on powered medical equipment, plan ahead—your life may depend on it.

Medical Emergency?

If someone is experiencing a medical emergency due to equipment failure, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for power to be restored.

Call 911

Why Medical Equipment Planning Matters

California's power shutoffs and outages can last from hours to days. For the estimated 685,000 Californians who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, a power outage isn't just an inconvenience—it's a potential life-threatening emergency. Planning ahead and having backup power options can literally save lives.

Critical Medical Devices

Life Support

Immediate backup required

Life Critical
  • Ventilators
    Requires continuous power
    2-4 hr internal battery
  • Home Dialysis
    Schedule around outage if possible
    No battery backup
  • IV Infusion Pumps
    Contact provider for manual options
    4-8 hr battery

Respiratory Equipment

Breathing assistance devices

High Priority
  • Oxygen Concentrators
    Keep backup O2 tanks available
    No battery (AC only)
  • CPAP/BiPAP Machines
    Battery packs available
    8-16 hr with battery pack
  • Nebulizers
    Battery/car adapter options exist
    Portable options available

Mobility & Accessibility

Independence devices

  • Electric Wheelchairs
    Keep charged, have manual backup
    8-25 mi range
  • Stair Lifts
    Most have battery backup
    ~20 trips on battery
  • Hospital Beds
    Manual crank backup recommended
    Usually no battery

Medication Storage

Temperature-sensitive meds

  • Insulin
    36-46°F, discard if frozen
    28 days at room temp
  • Biologics
    Check specific requirements
    Varies by medication
  • Eye Drops/Serums
    Refrigeration often required
    Use cooler with ice

California Utility Medical Programs

California utilities offer special programs for customers who depend on medical equipment. Enroll now—before an outage occurs.

Medical Baseline Program

Additional electricity allowance at lowest baseline rate for customers with qualifying medical conditions.

PSPS Notification List

Receive advance warning of planned power shutoffs via call, text, and email. Critical for medical equipment users.

Sign up for PSPS alerts →

Self-Certification

Self-certify your medical equipment needs with your utility to receive priority restoration during outages.

Backup Power Options

Home Battery + Solar

Most reliable long-term solution. Automatic switchover, renewable charging, whole-home capability.

Recommended: 10-20kWh capacity
Runtime: 12-48+ hours (depends on load)
Cost: Fully Funded

Portable Power Stations

Best for CPAP, phones, and small devices. Silent operation, safe for indoor use, no fuel required.

Recommended: 500-1500Wh capacity
Runtime: 8-24 hours for CPAP
Cost: $300-$1,500

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Instant switchover during outages. Ideal for ventilators and continuous-use equipment.

Recommended: 1500VA+ medical grade
Runtime: 30 min - 4 hours
Cost: $200-$800

Portable Generators

Longest runtime for high-power equipment. Must be used outdoors only—carbon monoxide risk.

Recommended: 3000W+ inverter generator
Runtime: 8-20 hours per tank
Cost: $800-$2,500

Medical Equipment Preparedness Checklist

Register with your utility's medical program

Enroll in Medical Baseline and PSPS notification lists

Know your equipment's power needs

List wattage and daily runtime for each device

Have backup power ready

Battery pack, generator, or UPS appropriate for your needs

Keep backup oxygen supply

If using concentrator, maintain portable O2 tank supply

Store medications properly

Have cooler and ice packs ready for temperature-sensitive meds

Create emergency contact list

Doctor, equipment supplier, pharmacy, nearby facility

Identify evacuation locations

Cooling centers, hospitals, family/friends with power

Keep devices charged

Charge all batteries when PSPS is forecast

Important Contacts

Emergency Services

911
Life-threatening emergencies

SCE Outage Line

1-800-611-1911
Report outages, get restoration estimates

PG&E Outage Line

1-800-743-5002
Report outages, get restoration estimates

SDG&E Outage Line

1-800-411-7343
Report outages, get restoration estimates

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222
Medication questions, accidental exposure

2-1-1 California

2-1-1
Local resources, cooling centers, assistance