Your home power backup plan
Hello from your local volunteer Electrification Collaboration team. About this time of year you may be wondering if severe weather, like those atmospheric river downpours we’ve had the past couple of winters, may cause a sustained power outage. If you haven’t already done so, it may be a good time to draw up a home backup power plan. For our area PG&E sustained power outage averages about 4.5 hours per year. But for most of us homeowners it’s best to plan for power backup at least 24 hours.
Fortunately, there are multiple options to choose from depending on your circumstances, budget and needs: rooftop solar and battery; rooftop solar augmented by portable battery; EV with two-way vehicle to home charging; portable or permanent batteries charged from the grid; portable gas generators, fixed multiple fuel power generators.
Key decisions are prioritizing your home loads for backing up and whether you want automatic or manual switching. Once you’ve roughed out your plan the next step is to consult a qualified electrician before doing cost analysis and product research. This planning not only puts you on the path towards greater storm resilience but there’s also an important side benefit: it starts your journey towards 100% home electrification.
David Cain
Los Altos
Local fair enjoyable
Saturday at the community center the Little Los Altos Entrepreneurs Fair was held. It’s the second time I’ve gone and I’m so impressed with what the young children make and sell. We have some impressive salespeople in town and a lot of talented makers. The prices for products are fair. The kids are thrilled when they make a sale. I bought rocks from a little boy who immediately abandoned his booth and ran to his brother saying, “See I told you I could sell them.” The brownies and jam I bought at other booths were delicious. You might watch for the next event. You’ll enjoy it.
Diane Brauch
Los Altos
Feeling safe in Los Altos
The news about the shooting at the Valley Fair Mall was more than troubling. I am so grateful that your town has not morphed into shopping malls and parking garages. The independent shops and shaded outdoor parking in Los Altos still attract shoppers like me who can feel as safe as possible in this new state of reality.
Arleen Runels
San Jose
