New PG&E truck can keep homes' lights on during power outage

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- New technology could help keep your lights on during a power outage. Pacific Gas and Electric is showing off the latest addition to their fleet of vehicles. While it may look like a regular truck, this vehicle is actually a hybrid that can power up to 100 homes during a power outage.

The truck uses a combination of batteries and its engine, and can be plugged directly into a transformer to send out electricity. PG&E says the truck is a utility industry first.

"Obviously it's a game changer for us, and eventually when it's adopted in a wider scale in the utility industry, it will revolutionize how we manage outages," PG&E spokesman Jason King said.

PG&E also had a number of electric vehicles on display. The company is encouraging employees to go electric with their next vehicle purchase to help the state meet electric vehicle goals. PG&E says besides being better for the environment, electric vehicle owners can get special rates when charging during non-peak hours.