PG&E 63-substation microgrid plan approved
The California Public Utilities Commission has approved a proposal by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to connect 63 substations in a series of microgrids.
The goal of the plan is to create cost-effective microgrids in order to reduce the number of customers affected by public safety power shutoff events and mitigate the impacts to those who remain affected.
Lake County was impacted by several of PSPS events last year, which PG&E used in response to severe weather conditions that it said threatened the electric system and could have resulted in wildland fires.
PG&E said its Community Wildfire Safety Program includes short-, medium- and long-term plans to make its electric system safer. These plans include installing new grid technology, hardening the electric system, and performing enhanced vegetation management, all with the goal of making PSPS events smaller in size, shorter in length, and smarter for customers. Microgrids are one tool in these efforts.
PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras told Lake County News that the company is preparing 63 substations across 19 counties, with eight of them in Lake County in locations including Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Hidden Valley Lake, Kelseyville and Lakeport.
By preparing these substations, PG&E will be able to more quickly and efficiently interconnect generation during PSPS events, Contreras said.
Source: Lake County News
Photo (for illustrative purposes): substation vvn high vltage / karban / Pixabay / Free for commercial use
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