LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Yuba Community College District Governing Board is moving forward with a partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to provide a microgrid power station at the district’s Lake County Campus.
The wildfire season in the Lake County area has been very active during the past several years.
When wildfires occur near electrical power lines, PG&E turns off power to impacted power lines as part of its public safety power shut-off, or PSPS, events.
Electricity power has historically been turned off to a significant area of Lake County during wildfire incidents and can remain off for several days or even weeks at a time.
To maintain emergency services to the Lower Clear Lake area, Woodland Community College, Lake County Campus — part of the Yuba Community College District — has partnered with PG&E to install a temporary microgrid power station at the front of the campus during fall 2021.
A permanent microgrid power station is planned to be installed on the east side of the campus during winter 2021.
The YCCD Governing Board approved resolutions at its April 8 and May 13 regular meetings conveying easements of land to PG&E in support of the microgrid power station project.
A third resolution, declaring intent to convey a second easement of land to PG&E, was approved at the Sept. 9 regular board meeting.
“The partnership between PG&E and YCCD is an excellent example of the public/private collaborations that are needed to better serve our community,” said interim Chancellor Dr. James Houpis. “The microgrid power station, in the Clear Lake area, will allow critical public functions to continue during general power outages.”
The temporary and permanent microgrid power stations will provide power to a one-to-two-mile radius ensuring that during PSPS events power will be maintained at the local hospital, fire station, grocery store and local shopping areas, the transportation corridor, residential areas, the Konocti School District Middle School and the Woodland Community College Lake County Campus.
“The Yuba Community College District Board of Trustees is thrilled to support these forward-thinking measures that will aid in protecting and safeguarding our communities,” Board President Susan Alves said.
The Lake County Campus has historically been utilized by firefighters and emergency responders during natural emergency events such as wildfires.
Yuba Community College District officials said the district is committed to supporting the needs of the Lake County community through its partnership with PG&E.
Yuba Community College District Board approves land easement for Lake County Campus microgrid power station
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