Privacy Policy

PGnE (Portable Generator in Emergency) is a Los Gatos–born nonprofit community program that lends portable generators to neighbors during power outages. This policy explains what information we collect through pgne.org, how we use it, and who we share it with. We are not affiliated with the PG&E utility company. If anything here is unclear, email us at help@pgne.org.

Information We Collect

We only collect what we need to run the generator-lending program. What we collect depends on how you use the site:

• Priority needs registration. Name, address, city, ZIP, household size, phone, email, an emergency contact’s name and phone, which power needs apply (e.g. medical equipment, refrigeration, mobility, heat), and any notes you add. You can submit this form without creating an account.
• Volunteer application. Name, email, phone, home city, whether you have transportation or mechanical experience, and any notes you add.
• Generator checkout records. When a generator is checked out during an outage, we record the borrower’s name, title/organization, phone, address, city, and a government-issued ID type and number, along with which unit was checked out and when. We collect ID information specifically because these are physical loans of equipment — it lets us confirm who has custody of a unit and follow up if it isn’t returned.
• Workshop registration. Name and contact information for people signing up to attend a workshop.
• Account information. If you create an account, either by signing in with Google (we receive your name, email, and profile photo) or with an email and password (where you also set security questions used for account recovery). An account lets you view or update a registration you’ve already submitted.

How We Use Your Information

• Matching registered households with nearby available generators during an outage.
• Contacting you about your registration, volunteer application, workshop signup, or a generator you’ve checked out.
• Verifying who has custody of a loaned generator, and following up to arrange its return.
• Coordinating volunteers and workshop logistics.
• Letting you sign in and manage information you’ve already submitted.
• Operating, securing, and improving the site itself.

Who We Share It With

We do not sell your information, and we do not share it for advertising. We share it only as needed to run the program:

• PGnE volunteers and admins who coordinate generator lending see the information needed to do that — for example, a volunteer stocking generators at their site can see who registered a priority need nearby.
• Service providers that host and operate the site on our behalf, each limited to what it needs to provide its service: Supabase (database and account sign-in), Google (optional “Sign in with Google”), Cloudflare (website hosting and email), and Resend (sending account-related emails).
• Legal requirements — if we’re required to disclose information by law.

Data Security

Our database enforces row-level access rules so that, for example, a volunteer account can’t read another volunteer’s personal contact information beyond what the program requires. The site also works offline during outages — any form you fill out is saved locally on your own device and only sent to our database once you have a connection. No method of storing or transmitting data is 100% secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect what you share with us.

Your Choices & Rights

You can register a priority need without creating an account. You can ask us to show you what information we have about you, correct it, or delete it, at any time — just email help@pgne.org or call (408) 596-3663.

Children's Privacy

PGnE’s services are intended for adults coordinating generator access for their household. We don’t knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has submitted information to us, contact us and we’ll remove it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy as the program grows. The version posted at this page is always the current one.

Contact Us

PGnE is a registered nonprofit community initiative serving Los Gatos and neighboring South Bay cities. help@pgne.org · (408) 596-3663