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Distribution microgrids can safely power some areas during a PSPS event
We continue improving our system to keep customers safe and reduce the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). This includes using distribution microgrids to power central community corridors.
Temporary Microgrids
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What is a distribution microgrid?
Distribution microgrids can provide temporary power separate from the larger grid. Generators are staged at the microgrid or sent when it is safe to energize the area. These microgrids are used to power community resources during a PSPS outage, including:
- Emergency and healthcare services
- Gas stations
- Schools
- Grocery stores
During a PSPS, we determine if it is safe to use distribution microgrids in targeted areas that are:
- Served by underground power lines
- Outside of high fire-threat areas
- Outside of the PSPS weather footprint
Frequently asked questions
How will I know if my address will be served by a microgrid?
We send phone, text and email notifications to customers who will be impacted by a PSPS outage. The notifications will indicate if your address will be served by microgrid backup power. You can also find outage details for your address using our outage map.
Visit the outage map
Update your contact information
Why is my power staying on if you're shutting off power in the area?
We use distribution microgrids only when and where it is safe to do so. This includes targeted and isolated areas that are:
- Served by underground power lines
- Outside a high fire-threat areas
- Outside the PSPS weather footprint
If you're installing backup power, why is an outage needed?
Outages keep workers safe when connecting or disconnecting any manually operated power source to the grid. This includes the temporary generators used to power most of our distribution microgrids. This work can take up to four hours. Customers will experience brief outages when backup power is connected or disconnected.
How were these microgrids selected?
We used historical data to identify areas likely to experience PSPS outages. We also confirmed the areas are safe to energize under extreme weather. While selecting areas for a microgrid, we focused on areas with key community resources and critical facilities. This includes hospitals, police or fire stations and grocery stores.
How are microgrid areas powered?
We mainly use diesel-powered generation for distribution microgrid power during PSPS outages. This does not include the Redwood Coast Airport Microgrid, which is powered by solar and battery energy storage. We aim to minimize emissions and exhaust by using cleaner burning engines as much as possible. We are testing more sustainable and renewable options for future use.
What is the Redwood Coast Airport microgrid?
The Redwood Coast Airport Microgrid project was a community-driven microgrid. Unlike most of our distribution microgrids, it is powered by solar and battery energy storage that is owned by a third party. It is funded by the Redwood Coast Authority, Schatz Energy Research Center and PG&E's Community Microgrid Enablement Program.
Additional resources
For more information about microgrid backup power:
- Download the Distribution Microgrid fact sheet (PDF, 90 KB).
- Email us with any questions at wildfiresafety@pge.com.
- Visit PSPS updates to get information on a current PSPS outage.
- Visit Community Microgrid Enablement Program (CMEP) for additional information on projects like the Redwood Coast Airport Microgrid.
- Find out how to prepare for a PSPS outage or use our planning map to learn where a PSPS is more likely to occur.