Local clean energy. Backup power when Pescadero needs it.
WestLight Energy is working with local partners to build a community microgrid in Pescadero.
The microgrid will use local solar power and batteries to help keep electricity on during power outages. It is planned to serve nearly the entire town, including homes, businesses, schools, the fire station, and other important community facilities.
Town of Pescadero, CA
How the Pescadero Microgrid will help
A community microgrid is a local power system that can help keep the lights on during power outages.
Once completed the Pescadero microgrid will stay connected to the larger electric grid. During outages, it can separate from the grid and use local solar and stored battery power to serve the community.
The community microgrid is designed to provide up to 3-7 days of backup power, even during difficult winter conditions, and it will serve nearly all of Pescadero.
Pescadero Microgrid at a glance
Microgrid Incentive Program
The Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP) is a California Public Utilities Commission-directed program administered by PG&E. The project will receive a $3.5 million MIP grant and up to $4 million from PG&E for studies and grid upgrades.
The County and WestLight Energy are contributing the balance of $13 million to lead project funding and development.
3 – 7 days of Backup Power
The microgrid is expected to provide about three days of backup power in average winter conditions and seven days in average summer conditions when first installed.
Even as the batteries age, the system is designed to provide at least 24 hours of backup power during difficult winter conditions.
Serving nearly all of Pescadero
The project will help keep key community facilities powered during outages including schools, the fire station and community health facilities. It will go further to provide energy resilience for nearly the entire town, including homes, businesses and community infrastructure.
Have thoughts or questions?
Are you a community member or a stakeholder and you would like to share your thoughts or learn more about the Pescadero Community Microgrid?
Connect with us via [email protected]
Where are we now?
As of August 2026, WestLight Energy has secured a $3.5 million award through the Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP), completing the funding needed to move the Pescadero Community Microgrid forward. The project is now moving into the study phase.
Anticipated timeline
The Pescadero Community Microgrid will take several years to plan, study, build, and begin service. Detailed studies and planning are expected to begin in late 2026, with service expected in 2031.
2026 — Grant agreement & studies begin
The project team will study how the microgrid will connect to, and work with, the larger electric grid.
2029 — Construction is expected to begin
If the project moves forward as planned, construction is expected to begin in mid- 2029.
2031 — Service is expected to begin
The microgrid is currently expected to begin serving the Pescadero community in 2031.
Powered by partnerships
The Pescadero Community Microgrid is possible because of strong local partnerships. We’re working with community organizations, PG&E and government partners that bring local knowledge, trusted relationships, and technical expertise to help build a more resilient Pescadero.
Project Details
The numbers behind the Pescadero microgrid
The Pescadero Community Microgrid brings together local investment, state funding, and utility support to build a more resilient energy system for the community.
System size
~1.5 MW solar system
~8 MWh storage system
Project funding
$10 million from WestLight Energy
$3.5 million from the Microgrid Incentive Program
$3 million from San Mateo County