PG&E: New microgrids may prevent shutoffs on Tiburon Peninsula

As part of an effort to reduce the impacts of forced power outages on customers in low fire-risk areas, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is setting up temporary microgrid systems at eight power substations in Marin, including a substation that feeds electricity to the Tiburon Peninsula. PG&E officials said the temporary microgrids, powered by mobile megawatt generators, will be ready for “rapid interconnection” by Sept. 1 and could reduce — or even eliminate — the so-called public-safety power shutoffs in Tiburon, Belvedere and Strawberry. The preemptive shutoffs were first instituted last fall in an attempt to prevent wildfires from being started by electrical equipment during strong and dry winds and affected some 3 million Californians.

For the complete story, pick up this week's edition of The Ark on newsstands or SUBSCRIBE NOW for home delivery.