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SDG&E's Ambitious Energy Storage Expansion in California

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) recently announced a significant enhancement to its energy storage capabilities, aimed at bolstering the resilience of the energy network and improving customer affordability. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved SDG&E's plans to expand the Westside Canal Energy Storage facility, located in Imperial Valley, California.

Project Overview

The expansion will add an impressive 100 megawatts (MW) of energy storage to the current 131 MW capacity, bringing the total to 231 MW once completed. SDG&E anticipates that the facility will be operational by June 2025. Caroline Winn, the CEO of SDG&E, underscored the importance of this upgrade, stating that it represents a crucial step toward enhancing energy resilience and advancing California’s clean energy goals. The company aims to facilitate efficient storage and release of clean energy, particularly during peak demand periods, thereby creating a more robust and sustainable energy network for local communities.

Upon completion, Westside Canal will become the largest battery storage asset in SDG&E’s portfolio, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The enhancements are part of a broader initiative to expand SDG&E’s battery storage capacity to nearly 480 MW, which is complemented by two additional projects currently under construction in San Diego County.

Benefits of the Westside Canal Expansion

The expansion of the Westside Canal facility is expected to deliver four fundamental services that will enhance grid reliability and efficiency:

• - Additional Energy Resource: The storage system will provide vital backup energy during peak demand, ensuring a consistent power supply for customers.
• - Complementary Services: By supporting network functions such as frequency regulation and voltage control, the facility will help maintain a stable and reliable power supply.
• - Energy Load Balancing: The system will store excess energy produced during low demand and redistribute it during high demand, increasing energy efficiency while stabilizing electricity prices.
• - Congestion Management: The storage capacity will assist in reducing electrical flow congestion by absorbing energy produced close to generation sources and releasing it when transmission lines experience decreased congestion.

These initiatives emphasize SDG&E's ongoing efforts to modernize the electrical grid, integrate additional renewable resources, and provide reliable electricity solutions for the region while prioritizing safety through advanced measures.

Commitment to Safety

SDG&E has incorporated stringent safety protocols in the development of the Westside Canal facility, which adheres to the rigorous standards of Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association (UL/NFPA). Key safety features include the installation of multiple emergency stops, lockout/tagout disconnection systems, and lightning protection mechanisms. The company is dedicated to maintaining high safety standards through regular coordination with first responders and adapting to the latest safety procedures informed by current research.

About SDG&E

San Diego Gas & Electric is a forward-thinking energy provider that delivers clean, safe, and reliable energy to millions of residents in San Diego County and southern Orange County. The company is committed to developing a sustainable energy future by increasing its supply from low- or zero-emission sources and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. Recognized as an industry leader, SDG&E has earned accolades such as the Corporate Citizenship Partner of the Year from the San Diego Business Journal and the ReliabilityOne® Award for outstanding performance in reliability for 18 consecutive years. SDG&E operates as a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

For more information, visit SDGEToday.com or connect with SDG&E on social media @SDGE.