For a French Valley household that uses American Sign Language, outage preparation should include information everyone can use and power for the devices used to receive it. Southern California Edison offers an ASL resource hub. Pair that resource with an installer-confirmed battery plan for your household’s communication equipment.
Riverside County identifies French Valley as CSA 103 and directs this area’s streetlight issues to SCE. Confirm your home’s electricity provider on your bill; this guide addresses SCE-served homes. It is preparation guidance, not an announcement of a local shutoff.
Start with SCE’s ASL resources
SCE’s American Sign Language Resource Hub brings together accessible videos, PSPS information, notification links and support resources. It includes explanations of what to expect before and during a PSPS and how notifications work.
The hub directs customers to update contact and delivery preferences for email, text or voice calls. It also provides an address-alert option for people without an SCE account. For ADA support, it lists accessibility@sce.com and 1-800-655-4555; TTY users may call 1-800-352-8580. Use the hub’s current links to find the appropriate service and ask about any accommodation you need.
Review these resources ahead of time using the device and format that work for you. Watching a preparedness video does not enroll a household in alerts or establish that an outage is imminent.
Make a communication-power checklist
Our suggested household exercise is to identify the equipment you actually use, then ask your installer which parts have backup:
- Phone or tablet, charger and the outlet used for charging.
- Modem, router and any separate network equipment needed for home internet.
- A computer or display used for video communication.
- Any additional communication or notification equipment your household relies on.
For a hypothetical example, a tablet may remain charged while its home Wi-Fi connection stops because the router’s outlet is outside the battery-backed circuits. Ask the installer to check the complete path rather than assuming a charged screen means communication will continue. Home battery power also cannot guarantee that an outside internet or cellular network stays available.
Agree on an alternative way to check in with a trusted person if the usual connection fails. Keep that plan accessible to the people who will use it.
Keep utility status and battery status separate
Use SCE’s official outage-status page for current address-specific information. A battery app describes your equipment; it does not replace the utility’s notice. A conditional PSPS warning is not confirmation that your home has lost power.
PG&E’s general battery guidance explains the importance of system capabilities and household demand. Confirm supported circuits, available energy and power limits. Runtime depends on charge and loads. Ordinary grid-tied solar alone generally does not provide outage power; recharging during an outage requires compatible backup equipment and suitable sunlight.
Our French Valley standby-load guide can help identify optional overnight demand while you prioritize communication and other essentials.
Include accessible handover support in a PPA
A qualifying no-upfront-cost solar-plus-battery PPA can help eligible homeowners access equipment without purchasing it upfront. Ask the provider how it will explain battery controls, supported circuits and service procedures in a format you can use.
The CPUC solar guide explains provider ownership and ongoing payments for solar electricity. Review qualification, rate, escalator, term, battery fees and ownership, maintenance, transfer provisions and remaining utility costs. No upfront purchase does not mean free electricity or guaranteed savings.
Sources checked October 21, 2026. Bring your communication priorities and proposal to a West Coast Alternatives consultation to discuss equipment scope, payment terms and the handover support you need.