Terms of Service

PGnE (Portable Generator in Emergency) is a volunteer-run, nonprofit community program based in Los Gatos, California that lends portable generators to neighbors during power outages. We are not affiliated with the PG&E utility company, and we are not a utility, emergency service, or substitute for 911. By using pgne.org or participating in the program, you agree to the terms below. If you don’t agree, please don’t use the site or the program.

No Guarantee of Service

PGnE is run entirely by volunteers with a limited number of generators. Registering a priority need, or seeing a generator listed as available, does not guarantee one will be available when you need it, or that we can reach you in time. If you or someone in your household depends on electrically powered medical equipment, you should have a backup plan that does not rely solely on PGnE — such as your utility’s medical baseline program, a county emergency shelter, or your own backup power.

Accounts

Some features (like viewing or updating a registration you’ve submitted) require an account, created via email/password or “Sign in with Google.” You’re responsible for keeping your account credentials secure and for the accuracy of the information you submit. You can submit a priority needs registration without creating an account.

Borrowing a Generator: Assumption of Risk

Portable generators carry real safety risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, electrical shock, and property damage if used improperly. By checking out a generator through PGnE, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You will never operate a fossil-fuel (gas/propane) generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows or doors — carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and can be fatal within minutes. (Battery/solar generators are safe to run indoors.)
• You are responsible for operating the unit safely, including proper fuel handling and never back-feeding power into your home’s wiring.
• You assume the risk of injury, death, or property damage arising from your use, misuse, or storage of a borrowed generator, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
• You are responsible for the generator while it’s checked out to you, and agree to return it in the condition you received it, normal wear excepted. You may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement if a unit is damaged, lost, or not returned.
• We verify identity (a government-issued ID) at checkout so we can track which unit is with which borrower and follow up on its return — see our Privacy Policy for how that information is used.

No Warranty; Limitation of Liability

Generators are lent “as is,” with no warranty of any kind, express or implied. To the fullest extent permitted by law, PGnE, its volunteers, and its organizers are not liable for any injury, death, property damage, or other loss arising from your use of a borrowed generator, your reliance on the availability map, or your use of this website. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited under California law.

Volunteers

Volunteers participate in good faith and are not employees, agents, or contractors of PGnE. Submitting a volunteer application doesn’t create any employment relationship, and doesn’t guarantee you’ll be matched with a role.

Acceptable Use

Please use pgne.org honestly — don’t submit false information, impersonate someone else, or try to interfere with the site’s operation or other users’ access to it.

Changes

We may update these terms or the program itself as it grows. The version posted at this page is always the current one.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Contact Us

Questions about these terms? help@pgne.org · (408) 596-3663