State of California Adds to Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve Program Ahead of Summer Heat Season

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Jun 04, 2024, 10:42 ET

Enchanted Rock generators will provide additional dispatchable capacity for California Department of Water Resources

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) yesterday unveiled its latest initiative aimed at improving energy grid reliability during extreme weather with the installation of three state-of-the-art generators in the Central Valley. The innovative power solution from Enchanted Rock provides 148 megawatts (MW) of fast-response, dispatchable energy, bolstering the state's emergency capacity resources.

Representatives from the California Department of Water Resources, the Modesto Irrigation District, Enchanted Rock and others celebrate three new state-of-the-art generators to provide resiliency to much of California's water supply.

The generators are part of California's Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve Program.

"In 2022, the California Legislature created the Strategic Reliability Reserve to address the risks posed to the state's electrical grid due to climate change-induced extreme events," said Delphine Hou, Deputy Directors of Statewide Energy, DWR. "The installation of the generators is an important addition to the Reserve and the state's ability to respond to sudden energy emergencies."

The three front-of-the-meter generation sites are hosted by Modesto Irrigation District (MID), the City of Lodi and Turlock Irrigation District (TID). Together, these sites can generate 148 MW of additional energy, enough electricity to power approximately 100,000 homes during an extreme weather event.

"We're proud to be a project partner and support DWR's commitment to diversifying and bolstering its power resources. MID had the site and necessary infrastructure available to quickly and seamlessly host and interconnect this innovative project," said MID General Manager Jimi Netniss.

"These natural gas-powered gensets will not only provide emergency backup electricity for California during extreme weather," said Allan Schurr, chief commercial officer for Enchanted Rock. "Because they operate cleanly, quietly and on-demand, they will do so while meeting strict air quality standards and without disturbing the surrounding areas' quality of life."

Enchanted Rock, recently named leading energy resilience provider by Guidehouse Insights, will manage operations and 24/7/365 monitoring as well as maintenance, warranty, and monthly system testing for all sites. Natural gas will be supplied by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), and emissions levels will meet San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) non-emergency operation standards.

About California Department of Water Resources
Established in 1956 by the California State Legislature, DWR protects, conserves, develops, and manages much of California's water supply. This includes the State Water Project (SWP), the nation's largest state-built water conveyance program.

About Enchanted Rock

Founded in 2006, Enchanted Rock is a national leader in electrical resiliency-as-a-service, powering companies, critical infrastructure, and communities to ensure business continuity during unexpected power outages from extreme weather, infrastructure failures, cyberattacks and other grid disruptions. Enchanted Rock's electrical microgrids and generators use natural gas and renewable natural gas (RNG) to produce significantly lower carbon emissions and air pollutants than diesel generators, capable of achieving resiliency with net-zero emissions. Additionally, the company's end-to-end microgrid software platform, GraniteEcosystem™, provides real-time 24/7/365 system monitoring and optimization, including forecasting of electricity market conditions to ensure worry-free reliable power to customers. For more information, please visit www.enchantedrock.com or join us on LinkedIn.

Contact:
Angela Stanley
919-480-7937

SOURCE Enchanted Rock