Battery Energy Storage Systems
(BESS) and Microgrids

Battery Storage

Paradise Microgrid and Battery Energy Storage System Project

Overview

SDG&E has been rapidly expanding its battery energy storage and microgrid portfolio. We have around 21 BESS and microgrid sites with 335 megawatts (MW) of utility-owned energy storage and another 49+ MW in development. 

Typically, these battery systems and microgrids are installed on SDG&E-owned property; they are adjacent to our existing substation facilities or in critical locations where grid reliability and resiliency is needed most.

Microgrids are small-scale electric grids that can operate independent of or parallel to the larger regional grid and can keep critical community facilities powered during outages. Battery storage is an important part of every microgrid.

Battery storage works by absorbing electricity when it’s abundant on the power grid and sending excess power back to the grid when it’s most needed, such as during the evening after the sun sets and solar energy fades away.

Project Benefits

Boulevard Microgrid and Battery Energy Storage System Project

Project Benefits

  • Helps advance our state's and region’s renewable energy goals.
  • Energy storage projects support grid reliability and the integration of more clean energy into the electric grid.
  • Enables the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to dispatch energy from our batteries at any time to help balance supply and demand on the statewide grid.
  • Extends the availability of renewable energy into peak demand hours to help reduce impacts of power outages, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and other emergency or unplanned service interruptions.

About the Projects

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SDG&E's Energy Storage Safety System - Fact Sheet
SDG&E's Energy Storage Safety System - Fact Sheet
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Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Microgrids - Fact Sheet
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Microgrids - Fact Sheet
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SDG&E Energy Storage and Microgrids Map
SDG&E Energy Storage and Microgrids Map
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Cameron Corners Microgrid – Fact Sheet
Cameron Corners Microgrid – Fact Sheet
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Santee BESS Project - Fact Sheet
Santee BESS Project - Fact Sheet

What to Expect

Microgrid and battery projects are complicated systems comprised of batteries, inverters or power conversion systems (PCS), transformers, cyber secure communications, metering, switching, energy and battery management systems, microgrid controllers (if applicable) and auxiliary equipment. Typically, batteries are installed in custom-built, above-ground enclosures, with a fire suppression and warning system to maximize safety.

 SDG&E will work to minimize impacts such as noise and dust from construction activities to the extent possible. Construction may take place in phases. Sometimes planned outages may occur due to the nature of this work, and customers will be promptly notified. 

Project Schedule and Map

Current BESS Projects in construction:

  • Santee 10 MW Battery Energy Storage System - estimated end date: Q1 2025
  • Borrego Springs: additional 6.7 MW Battery Energy Storage System (for a site total of 8 MW) - estimated end date: Q1 2025

Current Microgrid Projects in construction:

  • Cameron Corners: 500 kW Microgrid — estimated end date: Q4 2024
  • Shelter Valley: 800 kW Microgrid — estimated dates for Phase 1: Q3 2024 - Q4 2024 and Phase 2: Q2 2025 - Q4 2025
  • Butterfield Ranch: 800 kW Microgrid —Coming soon

Construction Notifications and Updates

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Boulevard OIR Microgrid Notification Letter 7-15-22
Boulevard OIR Microgrid Notification Letter 7-15-22
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Clairemont OIR Microgrid Notification Letter 11-21-22
Clairemont OIR Microgrid Notification Letter 11-21-22
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Elliott OIR Microgrid Notification Letter 10-31-22
Elliott OIR Microgrid Notification Letter 10-31-22
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Melrose Substation Battery Storage Project Customer Notification 8-05-22
Melrose Substation Battery Storage Project Customer Notification 8-05-22
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Paradise OIR Microgrid Notification Letter 7-29-22
Paradise OIR Microgrid Notification Letter 7-29-22
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Borrego Springs BESS Notification Letter 07-14-23
Borrego Springs BESS Notification Letter 07-14-23
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Santee BESS Project Notification Letter 1-18-24
Santee BESS Project Notification Letter 1-18-24
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Borrego Springs BESS Additional Project Update Notification Letter 02-20-24
Borrego Springs BESS Additional Project Update Notification Letter 02-20-24
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Santee BESS Additional Project Update Notification Letter 07-30-24
Santee BESS Additional Project Update Notification Letter 07-30-24
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Shelter Valley Microgrid Project Grading/Vegetation Clearing Notification Letter 08-12-24
Shelter Valley Microgrid Project Grading/Vegetation Clearing Notification Letter 08-12-24

More Information

If you have any questions or concerns about these BESS and microgrid projects, please contact SDG&E’s toll-free project number at 1-844-210-5821.