PG&E has made a $60,000 grant to the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation as part of its community investment program.
"It is with great pride that we announce Pacific Gas and Electric in taking a leadership role as a sustaining corporate member with Sentinels of Freedom and our mission to support our nation's severely wounded and injured members of our Armed Forces," the company said in a statement.
The Sentinels serve members of the military who, on or after September 11, 2001, sustained injuries in the line of duty resulting in 60% or greater disabilities.
Over a four-year period, veterans receive scholarships for housing, career placement or school to bring them to self-sufficiency.
"During its entire history Pacific Gas and Electric has been recognized as an ardent supporter and employer of our nations' veterans," PG&E said.
"Through the support of Pacific Gas and Electric, we are able to assist more of the severely wounded Veterans in achieving their life goals, many of whom until now face uncertain futures and hurdles," the company added.
In 2010, PG&E provided 1,300 grants to nonprofits in addition to more than $19 million in charitable giving. This year, the company plans to provide more than $23 million in contributions.
"PG&E takes great pride in their community partnerships they have created and are grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge and support citizens and organizations committed to making California a better place to live and work," the company stated.
Since its inception in 2004, the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation has helped 64 veterans overcome disability and live independent lives. This four-year process often requires multiple levels of support and, recently, provided a Sentinel with a specially outfitted car.
"We believe that for the severely wounded, it takes a sustained period of support in multiple forms to provide the greatest opportunity for long-term success," PG&E stated.
Comments
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Jul 11, 2011 at 8:31 am
on Jul 11, 2011 at 8:31 am
Is it me or is there something wrong with a public utility (that we have no choice but to use) taking rate payer money and giving out grants? Then they go before the Commission and ask to raise our rates.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Jul 11, 2011 at 8:34 am
on Jul 11, 2011 at 8:34 am
I should clarify PG&E would be better slashing rates for all veterens, disabled, and seniors than handing out grants to the organizations AFTER charging their members. This is just a feel good marketing scheme to improve public opinion of PG&E.
Del Prado
on Jul 11, 2011 at 12:42 pm
on Jul 11, 2011 at 12:42 pm
On June 20th,PG&E changed the E-1 rates for territory-x (which includes all trivalley residents). Those that have a summer electricity bill of more than $230 will be getting a break. Those with an electricity bill of less than $230 will pay MORE. Those with an electricity bill between $70 and $140 for the month will now pay 10% to 14% more! That's equivalent to paying PG&E more than extra month of electricity in a year! I can not find any press release that makes this known, and that warns the average consumer that their everyday expenses have significantly been increased. Spread the word!
Ruby Hill
on Jul 11, 2011 at 1:45 pm
on Jul 11, 2011 at 1:45 pm
I would like PGE to refund me the 37 cents and 16 cents they have overcharged me as a result of this boondoggel.
Birdland
on Jul 12, 2011 at 2:41 pm
on Jul 12, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Here's my favorite PG&E ploy- tell everyone REDUCE REDUCE their energy consumption and then whine about how they are not making enough money. huh?
We all can do a better job of reducing our energy costs, but to have to pay more for this hard work on our parts-is pathetic. If the above comment is true that higher energy consumers are paying less than lower energy consumers- then we really have a problem on our hands.
Del Prado
on Jul 12, 2011 at 3:48 pm
on Jul 12, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Well, I suppose I should not post, after listening to all the whininig...but...
I APPLAUD PG&E for making this donation, as it is critical to have multi-involvement in the reintegration of our wounded vets back into our communities. That need to focus on reintegration includes ALL vets but this particular program is a miracle for the wounded vets. I also APPLAUD Pleasanton for sponsoring two of the wounded vets within our community. I was honored to have met our two vets, among the hundreds/thousands out there.
Thanks, PG&E and Sentinels of Freedom and all of the communities who have taken an interest in these needs! God Bless You!
Del Prado
on Jul 12, 2011 at 3:50 pm
on Jul 12, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Oh! And THANK YOU veterans and members of the military for taking on our Government's mission, whether it be right, or not.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Jul 13, 2011 at 9:51 am
on Jul 13, 2011 at 9:51 am
@Mary
I was not commenting on the very real need of veterens needing services to reintegrate into our communities after serving. My father was career Navy (fought in Korea) and so was my Uncle, my brother fought in Vietnam and came back to a society that hated him for it. I have many friends who are vets from the Gulf Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. I deeply appreciate and understand the sacrific both the vets themselves and the families endure for our freedoms. My issue is a "public utility" company who raises rates for vets, disabled, and seniors and in general treat their "customers", who have no say in anything, with such contempt and then take "profits" and donate to ANY organization.
Having worked in marketing, this is a marketing ploy to increase PG&E's tarnished image. Public utility companies should be banned from using public moneys for anything like this and corporate donations for anything political. If I had a choice I would definately get my gas and electricity from ANY other company.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Jul 13, 2011 at 1:53 pm
on Jul 13, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@ Wishing I could go off the grid:
Go solar!