Your EV Can Keep the Lights On—GM and PG&E Prove It

• GM and PG&E’s pilot program offers up to $4,500 for bidirectional home charging installations.
• GM’s 2024 and 2025 EV lineup is eligible for the program.
• EV owners can supply power to homes and potentially support the grid.

The Grid Needs Help. EVs Can Step Up.

Blackouts. They are happening more often, hitting homes when the power grid struggles to keep up. But what if your car could do more than get you from A to B? General Motors (GM) and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) are rolling out a program that turns select GM EVs into home energy sources. And they are paying customers to try it.

GM’s Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology lets compatible EVs push power back into homes. The idea is simple: when the grid fails, your EV takes over. But PG&E and GM see potential beyond just emergencies. If scaled, bidirectional charging could help balance energy demand, reduce grid strain, and even lower EV ownership costs.

How It Works

PG&E’s residential Vehicle-to-Everything pilot program gives eligible Northern and Central California customers up to $4,500 in incentives to install GM Energy’s bidirectional home charging systems.

GM EVs like the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Sierra qualify. GM expects all 2025 models to join soon.

Beyond incentives, GM Energy Vice President Wade Sheffer sees long-term benefits, “For Northern California customers looking to take more control of their home energy, this program with PG&E represents a great opportunity.”

The program also rewards customers for participating in planned backup power events—where enrolled vehicles can provide power to the grid.

What’s In It for You?

• Backup Power: When the lights go out, your GM EV steps in. No gas generators. No scrambling.
• Potential Savings: EV owners could offset energy costs by using stored power during peak hours.
• Grid Resiliency: More distributed energy means fewer outages and less stress on utilities.

PG&E sees bidirectional charging as a major step toward stabilizing California’s grid. “PG&E is leading the way to enable vehicle-grid-integration technology, creating a path for EVs to power customer homes,” said Mike Delaney, PG&E’s Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation.

The Bigger Picture

This program offers a look at what is next for EVs—vehicles that not only drive but also power homes, support the grid, and lower energy costs. If you are in Northern or Central California with an eligible GM EV, now is the time to see it in action.

IMAGES: GENERAL MOTORS

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