The Hidden Cost of a Blackout: Spoiled Food, Lost Work, and No Utility Reimbursement

The Hidden Cost of a Blackout: Spoiled Food, Lost Work, and No Utility Reimbursement

The Hidden Cost of a Blackout: Spoiled Food, Lost Work, and No Utility ReimbursementIn House Contributor
Published on: 18/09/2026

A power outage's real cost adds up across spoiled groceries, lost remote-work income, restaurant meals, and sometimes hotel stays, often reaching several hundred dollars for a multi-day event. Utilities generally don't reimburse PSPS-related costs.

power outage costsspoiled food outagehome battery backupPSPS reimbursementhomeowners insurance power outagehome battery storage
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Medical Equipment at Home? Why Battery Backup Isn’t Optional Anymore

Medical Equipment at Home? Why Battery Backup Isn’t Optional Anymore

Medical Equipment at Home? Why Battery Backup Isn’t Optional AnymoreIn House Contributor
Published on: 17/09/2026

Households with electricity-dependent medical equipment face genuine safety risk during outages, and California's Medical Baseline program provides advance notification but not actual backup power during a PSPS event. Portable batteries and generator

medical baseline programhome battery backupelectricity dependent medical equipmentPSPS power outagesolar backup powerhome battery storage
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When the Power Goes Out for a Week: What a Real PSPS Event Looks Like for California Families

When the Power Goes Out for a Week: What a Real PSPS Event Looks Like for California Families

When the Power Goes Out for a Week: What a Real PSPS Event Looks Like for California FamiliesIn House Contributor
Published on: 16/09/2026

A multi-day PSPS outage escalates quickly: refrigerated and frozen food spoils within hours, home offices go dark mid-workweek, and medical equipment requiring power becomes a real problem. By day three, many households face spoiled groceries.

PSPS multi-day outagepower outage food spoilagehome battery backupoutage preparedness
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2024 Was a Record Year for Planned Blackouts in California — Here’s Why It’s Not Slowing Down

2024 Was a Record Year for Planned Blackouts in California — Here’s Why It’s Not Slowing Down

2024 Was a Record Year for Planned Blackouts in California — Here’s Why It’s Not Slowing DownIn House Contributor
Published on: 14/09/2026

2024 set a record for Public Safety Power Shutoff activity in California, driven by intensifying wildfire risk, utilities becoming more conservative about calling shutoffs after past liability and grid hardening work that still covers only a fraction

PSPS record yearCalifornia planned blackoutswildfire season power shutoffhome battery backupsolar backup powergrid hardening
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