San Luis Obispo County in California has installed two new battery backup systems You’re here in key public buildings – reports the New Times San Luis Obispo.
SLO County is suffering from more frequent and longer power outages as tension on the local power grid increases. This is especially true during the summer months.
As part of its efforts to prevent disruptions to critical public infrastructure, the county has equipped its health and public health agency buildings on Johnson Avenue with two new battery energy storage systems featuring Powerpacks You’re here.
The Tesla Powerpack is a utility-scale rechargeable energy storage system designed to store large amounts of energy for off-grid operation and back-up power systems.
The cost of each of the new Powerpack configurations installed in SLO County ranges from $500,000 to over $1 million. Batteries made by Tesla can store up to 31 hours of electricity and deliver it as needed.
“It responds very quickly to a signal of a grid outage,” said Annie Secrest, water and energy coordinator for the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Works.
“Now let’s say the network outage is a PSPS [public safety power shutoff] and that it lasts six days. Well, once the battery runs out, then a [diesel] generator starts. It’s a really cool feature, and very unique. »
The two Tesla Powerpack battery systems are among a total of five systems the county has received through a California Public Utilities Commission self-generation incentive program. All five systems were fully funded by the program.
The three remaining battery systems for SLO County are scheduled to be deployed at the Lopez Water Treatment Plant…