Last month’s unprecedented blackouts by PG&E and Southern California Edison left more than 2.5 million California residents and businesses without power, in some cases for days on end. Emergency services were at risk, company operations came to halt, and both public and private organizations lost millions of dollars in revenues and services. During blackouts, which even utilities admit will continue to occur, local government entities such as water districts have no choice but to shut down critically needed services.  

Building a local microgrid consisting of solar and battery storage can help mitigate the impact of utility shutoffs, providing critical backup power without relying on the grid. While many incentive programs have been successful in reducing costs to pay for installing backup batteries, studies show these funds are not reaching the state’s most vulnerable communities. 

To address this inequity, we have developed the CalCom Energy Resiliency Program. Funds may be used to pay for a complete on-site microgrid solution, whether it be adding a battery alongside existing on-site solar or installing a complete solar-plus-battery storage solution.   

CalCom has been installing battery storage solutions since 2016 through the Self-Generation Incentive Program. We have identified several upcoming programs with incentives to help our customers that reside and/or do business in these vulnerable communities. 

To get started on your agency’s microgrid and plan for a more resilient future, contact CalCom today.