Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced a major milestone in its community microgrid deployment program, selecting six new projects through the second application window of its Microgrid Incentive Program and advancing grant agreements for projects from the first round moving into development.
Combined with $43 million announced in 2025 for nine initial projects, the investments represent more than $73 million in authorized community microgrid funding across rural, coastal, Tribal, and high wildfire risk areas in Northern and Central California.
Among the most notable projects advancing from the first round are three proposed microgrids in Lake County using a first-of-its-kind approach known as Firemain Linked Auxiliary Supply/Hydraulic Energy Storage (FLASHES).
The system pairs locally generated solar energy with pumped hydroelectric storage, using solar power to pump water to elevated tanks during periods of high generation and releasing it through turbines when electricity is needed.
The approach could provide multi-day resilience during outages and additional water supply for firefighting emergencies. It is also being explored as a replicable model for long-duration storage across California.
“In addition to the grid investments PG&E is making, community microgrids empower communities to take an active role in building local resilience,” said Dave Canny, Head of PG&E’s North Coast Region, in a statement. “PG&E is proud to partner with communities by providing incentives, technical support and the safe interconnection needed to bring these projects to life.”
All three projects resulted from a collaboration between local governments and Trane Energy Services and are now moving into early development, with geotechnical and test well drilling activities planned in the coming months.
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