SDG&E Implements Major Enhancements to Energy Storage for Improved Grid Resilience and Cost Efficiency

SDG&E Enhances Energy Storage Capacity

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is making significant strides in energy management by expanding its Westside Canal Battery Energy Storage facility in California's Imperial Valley. Recently approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), this project will bring an additional 100 megawatts (MW) of storage capacity to an existing 131 MW site, resulting in a powerful total of 231 MW once completed. This enhancement is set to be operational by June 2025, greatly contributing to the region's energy resilience.

A Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future

Caroline Winn, CEO of SDG&E, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, "The expansion of Westside Canal is a critical step toward strengthening our region's energy resiliency and advancing California's clean-energy goals." By increasing the storage capacity, SDG&E aims to store more renewable energy that can be dispatched during peak demand, thus ensuring a reliable and sustainable power grid.

Supporting Local Communities

The Westside Canal expansion reflects a major investment in the local energy infrastructure, which will not only enhance service reliability but also support clean power initiatives within the community. Additionally, this expansion is part of SDG&E’s broader strategy to leverage federal tax credits to reduce electric infrastructure costs for customers. As a result, the company has managed to decrease the average monthly electric delivery bill for residential users for two consecutive years, attributing about $200 million in tax credits to these efforts.

Key Enhancements to the Grid

The expansion of the Westside Canal facility provides four pivotal services that enhance the efficiency and reliability of the grid:
1. Generation Capacity: The new battery system will serve as a backup power source during peak demand periods, helping to ensure adequate electricity supply.
2. Ancillary Services: It will assist in maintaining grid stability by supporting critical functions like frequency regulation and voltage control.
3. Energy Balancing: The system is capable of storing excess energy during low demand phases and supplying this energy back to the grid when necessary, stabilizing electricity prices and usage.
4. Congestion Management: By optimizing power flow efficiency, the system alleviates congestion by absorbing energy close to generation sites and releasing it when transmission lines are less congested.

Commitment to Safety and Standards

Safety remains a core priority for SDG&E as it expands its energy solutions. The facility is designed to comply with stringent Underwriters Laboratories and National Fire Protection Association (UL/NFPA) standards. With multiple emergency stop mechanisms, lockable disconnects, and lightning protection systems in place, SDG&E is committed to adhering to recognized safety practices and proactively coordinating with local first responders. Moreover, routine safety reviews ensure alignment with industry best practices, promoting a secure transition towards cleaner energy.

About SDGE

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) is a leading energy delivery company focused on providing clean, safe, and reliable energy solutions to enhance the lives of its customers in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company prioritizes sustainability by increasing its use of low- and zero-carbon energy sources and investing in electric vehicle infrastructure. Recognized for its commitment to service excellence, SDGE has won accolades such as Corporate Partner of the Year at the San Diego Business Journal’s Nonprofit Corporate Citizenship Awards and has maintained a stellar reliability performance for 18 consecutive years. As a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, a notable North American energy infrastructure firm, SDG&E is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for its community and beyond. For additional insights, visit SDGEtoday.com.