Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) has opened the application window for the second wave of its Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP) grant funding. The application period began on April 3, and interested parties must submit their project ideas by May 30 via email to communitymicrogrids@pge.com.
The MIP aims to support the development of community microgrids in disadvantaged communities vulnerable to power outages. A microgrid is a network of interconnected customers and energy resources that can operate independently of the main grid during outages. These microgrids are designed to serve critical community resources, including hospitals, emergency services, schools, and essential facilities.
Since launching the MIP in late 2023, PG&E has received around 50 project inquiries from tribal and local governments and community organizations. Out of these, 22 projects advanced through initial screenings and received technical consultations, along with $25,000 application development grants to aid in preparing their project applications.
Nine projects were ultimately selected based on a comprehensive evaluation process that considered customer and community attributes, resilience and environmental benefits, and the requested incentive amounts. These projects will share over $43 million in funding, with approximately $34 million allocated for generating resources, batteries, engineering, project management, and property-related costs. Each project will also receive up to $1 million to cover interconnection costs.
The selected projects incorporate a range of clean energy solutions, including solar, battery storage, pumped hydroelectric storage, small hydroelectric, and biomass.
The MIP is a $200 million statewide initiative approved by the California Public Utilities Commission to fund microgrids in vulnerable communities. Funding is distributed among PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric, with PG&E receiving $79.2 million. Projects can receive up to $14 million each for microgrid development.
For more information on applying for the second wave of funding or to learn about the MIP, interested parties can visit www.pge.com/mip. Details on project scoring criteria, eligibility, and application processes are available in PG&E’s MIP Handbook.
The post PG&E Opens Applications for Microgrid Incentive Program to Aid Vulnerable Communities appeared first on SierraDailyNews.com.
