Pacific Gas and Electric Company recently unveiled the PG&E PowerHouse, an all-electric model home and technology demonstration lab at its Applied Technology Services facility in San Ramon, California.

The PowerHouse is designed to test and demonstrate clean energy technologies in a residential setting, allowing customers, contractors, policymakers, and partners to evaluate how an all-electric home operates, including energy use, comfort, and backup power during outages.

Focus on Electrification Integration

The PG&E PowerHouse integrates and evaluates a range of technologies, including bidirectional EV charging, smart electric panels and meters, heat pumps, battery storage, and induction cooking.

The site is intended to address common electrification challenges, such as electrical capacity, device compatibility, and cost. Systems are tested together to demonstrate how customers can:

• Add electric appliances and EV charging without major panel upgrades

• Manage energy use to control costs

• Improve resilience, including backup power using EVs

• Transition to electrification incrementally

PG&E also recently introduced a Clean Energy Calculator, powered by GridX, to help customers evaluate costs and savings. The company is collaborating with SPAN on PanelBoost, a planned offering designed to support electrification without requiring major service upgrades.

Technology Demonstration and Programs

The PowerHouse includes:

• Bidirectional EV charging as part of PG&E’s Vehicle-to-Everything pilot program, with potential incentives of up to $4,500 for eligible equipment

• Smart panels and advanced meters for load management

• High-efficiency appliances, including heat pump systems and induction cooking

• Smart EV charging and energy management tools

PG&E is also working with Itron on grid-edge technologies, including ChargeBoost, to improve grid reliability and support electrification.

Many technologies demonstrated at the site are funded through PG&E’s Electric Program Investment Charge, which supports projects focused on safety, reliability, affordability, and emissions reduction.