San Mateo County Backs Solar Microgrid to Combat Pescadero Power Outages
Amidst the serene coastal beauty of Pescadero, power outages have become an unwelcome part of life. Over the past two years, the community has experienced over 400 outages, disrupting homes, businesses, and schools. In response, San Mateo County is championing a new initiative to build a solar-powered microgrid, which aims to fortify the town’s energy resilience.
At the recent San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meeting, a significant financial commitment was made to support the Pescadero Community Microgrid Project (PCMP). The Board approved a resolution to authorize up to $3 million in match funding for the project, contingent upon securing additional funding from Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP).
Supervisor Ray Mueller emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “With this investment we embrace a resilient reliable clean energy future, for a community that for decades has been a victim of one of the Bay Area’s worst power infrastructures.”
The proposed microgrid would employ a solar and battery system to provide backup power for critical facilities and residents. It aims to cover essential sites such as two schools, the fire station, the local Core Resource Agency, and over 100 residences and businesses. This project is designed to offer up to three days of resilience during winter outages and more than a week during summer outages.
The total estimated project development cost is $16.5 million. Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) has pledged $10 million, and the County’s contribution would further bolster the project’s chances of receiving MIP funding by reducing the amount requested from PG&E. The application deadline for this funding is December 17, 2025.
Shawn Marshall, CEO of Peninsula Clean Energy, remarked, “Peninsula Clean Energy is excited to partner with county and Pescadero community leaders on a very innovative and important way to help our underserved coastside communities who are among the hardest hit with power outages.”
Pescadero’s location near the Pacific Ocean makes it particularly susceptible to outages, with frequent disruptions caused by seasonal flooding and fallen trees. The microgrid project aligns with San Mateo County’s Community Climate Action Plan, which seeks to enhance local renewable energy use and grid stability.
The project is expected to enter an 18-month planning phase starting in 2027, pending funding approval. Initial discussions have considered siting the solar and battery system near the local school district campus, though other locations may also be evaluated.
Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, Director of San Mateo County Emergency Management, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: “This microgrid is more than an emergency solution — it’s an investment in stability, comfort, and dignity for a community that has endured far too many preventable disruptions.”
As San Mateo County ventures into this ambitious project, it aims to set a precedent in climate resilience and renewable energy adoption, potentially establishing one of the largest community microgrids in California.
Original Story at coastsidebuzz.com