Wildfires disrupt lives in more ways than one—damaging homes, interrupting essential services, and upending daily routines. We understand that rebuilding is not just about constructing new spaces; it’s about restoring stability and hope. That’s why YDS Architect’s created Rebuilding Together, a dedicated resource directory specifically designed to guide you through every step of rebuilding after a wildfire. Below, you’ll find comprehensive information on consumer protections and available resources to help you navigate this challenging time.
What You Need to Know Before Rebuilding
During a state of emergency declared for wildfires, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has mandated that energy, natural gas, water, and telecommunication utilities provide disaster relief protections. These measures are automatically available to affected customers and are designed to minimize additional hardships during your recovery.
Utility Protections
Electric and Natural Gas Utilities
- No Disconnections for Nonpayment:
Wildfire-impacted customers cannot have their services disconnected due to nonpayment or associated fees. - Discontinue Billing for Unserviceable Homes:
If your home is no longer capable of receiving utility services, billing is discontinued and disconnection charges are not assessed. - Waived Deposits & Expedited Service Requests:
Deposit requirements are waived for one year when re-establishing service, with expedited move-in and move-out requests. - Stop Estimated Billing:
Utilities will halt energy usage estimates for billing during the period your home or unit is unoccupied due to wildfire damage. - Flexible Payment Plans:
Customers with prior arrearages who are displaced are offered a payment plan with an initial payment of no more than 20% of the amount due, followed by equal installments for at least 12 billing cycles. - Prorated Minimum Charges:
Any monthly access or minimum charges will be prorated so that you’re not charged for the period after your home became unserviceable.
Water and Sewer Utilities
- Assistance with Unpaid Bills:
Water companies work cooperatively with affected customers to resolve unpaid bills while minimizing disconnections. - Fee Waivers:
Reconnection, facilities fees, and deposits are waived for those who need to reconnect to the water system. - Reasonable Payment Options and Bill Waivers:
Payment plans are available, and bills may be waived entirely for victims who have lost their homes.
Landline Telephone Services
Providers, including AT&T California, Frontier Communications, and Consolidated, are required to offer:
- Fee Waivers for Remote Services:
No charges for establishing remote call forwarding, remote access, or similar services. - Installation Fee Waivers:
Service installation fees at temporary or new permanent homes—and again when you return—are waived. - Free Equipment:
Eligible customers can receive free jacks and associated wiring to ensure continued connectivity.
Mobile Wireless Services
- Deferred or Phased Payments:
Wireless carriers are allowing affected customers to defer or phase payments for data, talk, and text charges, with extended payment dates. - Enhanced Connectivity Solutions:
- Mobile Equipment: Deployment of mobile units (Cells on Wheels/Light Trucks) to supplement service in high-demand areas, ensuring access to 911/E911 services.
- Charging Stations & Wi-Fi: Device charging stations and free Wi-Fi are provided in designated refuge areas.
- Temporary Replacement Phones: Carriers may offer temporary replacement devices if your phone was lost or damaged due to the wildfire.
Additional Support and Resources
For Residents
- Employment Benefits:
If you have lost work due to extreme weather events, you can apply for unemployment benefits immediately. Governor Newsom has waived the one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits. (Visit the Employment Development Department website for more details.) - Price Gouging Protections:
Safeguards are in place to protect against price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essentials for 30 days following the state’s emergency proclamation. (Learn more on the Attorney General website.) - Food Assistance:
Families enrolled in the CalFresh program who experience food loss due to a utility Public Safety Power Shut-off (PSPS) event are eligible for food replacement. - Medical and Wellness Support:
- Emergency ambulance strike teams have been deployed for those with power-dependent health equipment.
- Vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities in the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program have access to coordinated wellness checks.
- Telecommunications Relief:
Telecommunications companies are offering free mobile hotspots and data access to ensure you stay connected. - Community Support:
Local community foundations are accepting donations to support wildfire victims and those affected by PSPS events.
For Businesses
- Business Resource Guides:
GO-Biz offers a comprehensive guide featuring low-interest loan information and advisory services. - State Loan Programs:
- IBank Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program:
Provides loan guarantees up to 95% for term loans or lines of credit, helping small businesses recover. - Jump Start Loan Program:
Offers loans ranging from $500 to $10,000 for low-wealth entrepreneurs, along with financial literacy and technical assistance. - California Capital Access Program (CalCAP):
Encourages favorable loan terms for small businesses, supporting loans up to $5 million and offering a loan loss reserve program to ease lender concerns.
- IBank Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program:
Rebuilding Together with YDS Architects
At YDS Architects, we are committed to helping our community rebuild stronger and more resilient than ever. Our Rebuilding Together directory is a comprehensive, reliable resource specifically created to guide wildfire victims through the rebuilding process. Here, you will find:
- Step-by-step guides on safe rebuilding practices
- Contact information for local contractors and support services
- Updates on state resources and consumer protections
- Tips on planning and executing a rebuilding strategy tailored to your needs
We invite you to explore Rebuilding Together as you take your next steps towards recovery. Whether you need guidance on navigating utility services or detailed information on financial and community support programs, our dedicated resource directory is here to assist you.
Further Information and Helpful Links
For additional details and support, please refer to these trusted resources:
- The Power of Being Prepared:
https://prepareforpowerdown.com - Public Safety Power Shut-offs Resource Guide:
http://www.chhs.ca.gov/blog/2019/10/25/public-safety-power-shutoffs-resource-guide - CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Preparedness Website:
http://www.readyforwildfire.org - Cal OES Website:
http://www.caloes.ca.gov - CPUC’s PSPS Information:
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PSPS - State Response Portal:
http://response.ca.gov
At YDS Architects, we believe that informed decisions lead to resilient rebuilds. We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable tool as you navigate the recovery process. For personalized guidance or additional support, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
Stay safe, and remember: you are not alone on the path to recovery. Explore Rebuilding Together and let us help you rebuild your future.
