Photo by Gabriel Dillard

Local restaurants and first responders are receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars to meet their energy and equipment needs.

The City of Fresno, in partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E), announced Monday a $500,000 charitable contribution to fund the Energy Efficiency Program for locally owned restaurants and the acquisition of life-saving chest compression devices for the Fresno Fire Department.

Out of the total PG&E contribution, $400,000 will be directed towards the energy program to assist restaurants with energy efficiency upgrades, helping offset rising operational costs and supporting sustainability.

The remaining $100,000 will go to the Fresno Fire Department to purchase five LUCAS chest compression devices, improving emergency response capabilities and enhancing cardiac arrest survivability rates.

Mayor Jerry Dyer noted the growing financial strain on the city’s small businesses and expressed appreciation for the support.

“Small businesses across Fresno have been hit hard by rising electricity costs, inflation, and the overall cost of doing business,” said Dyer. “Many are struggling to keep their doors open, and this funding will provide much-needed assistance to help them stay competitive while making their operations more energy efficient. At the same time, ensuring our Fire Department has the lifesaving equipment it needs means we are prioritizing the safety of our residents.”

The program will be administered by the city’s Economic Development Department and will leverage an additional $400,000 in city funding for a total of $800,000 in available grants.

Eligible businesses will have the chance to apply for financial assistance to implement energy-efficient improvements that lower utility costs and enhance long-term sustainability.

“PG&E is privileged to serve the City of Fresno. With our $500,000 charitable contribution, we’re pleased to support longer-term sustainability and energy savings for local restaurants as well as safety for Fresno’s residents and visitors,” said Patti Poppe, CEO of PG&E Corporation. “Our PG&E coworkers live and work in this community, and we’re dedicated to delivering for our hometowns in any way we can.”

Fresno City Councilmember Analisa Perea said the contribution is more than just financial support, but an investment into small businesses and first responders— “the lifeblood of our city.”

“This is more than just relief — it’s a commitment to their growth, resilience, and continued success in serving our community”, said Perea.

For more information about the Energy Efficiency Grant Program and upcoming application details, locally owned restaurants are encouraged to visit fresno.gov/energy-efficiency.