Treat Meier, a California Solar Lead
Solar Electrician and FREED Volunteer
delivering a Yeti 3000 battery.

September 7, 2020 – PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events can prevent wildfires but can create life-threatening situations for older adults and people with disabilities, due to lack of backup power sources for life-sustaining medical devices and assistive technology for independent living. FREED and California Solar Electric Company are now banding together to ensure Nevada County older adults and people with disabilities are prepared for planned power outages by delivering Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium Power Stations and educational resources to those in need.

Together, along with FREED volunteers, these partners will help provide FREED consumers with “energy independence for life-sustaining medical devices in order to maintain health, dignity, and independence through the deployment of these batteries,” stated Brian Snyder, FREED’s Disability Disaster Coordinator.

“Goal Zero Yeti 3000 utilizes the latest and greatest battery technology. The portable battery houses a 280Ah battery that can power small devices, making it a great alternative power solution during power shutoff events,” said Sean Leydon, Solar Electrician of California Solar Electric Company. Along with providing Goal Zero Yeti battery deliveries, Nevada County Media and California Solar Electric Company joined forces to create a Goal Zero Yeti 3000 instructional video that is easily accessible and shares useful information on backup energy solutions for FREED consumers and community members.

In a state that is gripped by climate crisis and known for having power shutoffs that are disproportionally felt within marginalized communities, California Solar Electric Company strives to deliver the very best in solar and battery storage solutions. As a worker-owned cooperative focused on building resilient communities, California Solar Electric Company understands the importance of having energy backup and empowering people to endure the difficulties posed by Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events during fire season. By delivering the Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Power Stations, both California Solar Electric Company, PG&E, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) and FREED will help build durable energy solutions, especially for Nevada County residents who need it most.

About California Solar Electric Company:With over 1,100 installs since 2000, California Solar Electric Company is the first worker-owned cooperative in Nevada County and the first solar worker-owned cooperative in California. California Solar’s award-winning team is recognized for their exceptionally high-quality work, proven experience, and best commercial and residential installation practices. For more information, visit www.californiasolarco.com or follow them on Facebook.

About FREED:FREED’s mission is to promote independence and self-determination for people with disabilities through person-driven services, collaborative community partnerships and education, and leadership that advocates for fully inclusive communities. For more information, visit www.freed.org or follow them on Facebook.