PG&E is donating $500,000 to the City of Fresno to help local restaurants and the fire department.
The funding, according to Nexstar, comes from PG&E shareholders, not from customers.
The big picture: The majority of the donation, $400,000, will help restaurants improve energy efficiency as part of an incentive grant program.
- The city is currently offering a pilot program to restaurants to improve energy efficiency to help keep energy costs down.
- Restaurants can each receive up to $15,000 as part of the grant, as long as they agree to contribute $5,000 of their own money.
- The city is matching PG&E’s $400,000 donation to bring the total for the program to $800,000.
- The other $100,000 will allow the Fresno Fire Department to purchase LUCAS chest compression devices, which provide continuous CPR.
What they’re saying: “Small businesses across Fresno have been hit hard by rising electricity costs, inflation, and the overall cost of doing business,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Many are struggling to keep their doors open, and this funding will provide much-needed assistance to help them stay competitive while making their operations more energy efficient. At the same time, ensuring our Fire Department has the lifesaving equipment it needs means we are prioritizing the safety of our residents.”
- PG&E CEO Patti Poppe added, “PG&E is privileged to serve the City of Fresno. With our $500,000 charitable contribution, we’re pleased to support longer-term sustainability and energy savings for local restaurants as well as safety for Fresno’s residents and visitors. Our PG&E coworkers live and work in this community, and we’re dedicated to delivering for our hometowns in any way we can.”
