Oroville approves study to explore microgrid option

OROVILLE, Calif. — The City of Oroville is looking into ways to weather major power outages.

City officials approved a study with Santa Cruz-based consultant OurEnergy to explore the possibility of bringing a microgrid to the area.

The microgrid would be funded by a grant program through PG&E called the Microgrid Incentive Program.

Local officials say Oroville could be a prime area for a microgrid because of its proximity to rural areas which are prone to natural disaster.

City officials say the grid would help offset the city’s energy needs outside of disaster periods and during major outages, the grid would help power target sites like the police department, evacuation centers, or Oroville Hospital.

The program allows communities to apply for up to $18 million in grant funding. OurEnergy will be awarded $20,000 for its study.

Content credit: KRCR
https://krcrtv.com/news/local/oroville-approves-study-to-explore-microgrid-option