New Battery-Storage Units, San Luis Obispo. Photo: SLO County
The first battery energy storage systems (BESS) were installed at San Luis Obispo County government buildings—at zero cost to residents. For this, Tesla Powerpacks were chosen, which offer the best performance.
San Luis Obispo County has been installing battery energy storage systems (BESS) in government buildings in recent months. In a few days, the grand opening of the facility will take place. The SLO website said that county leaders will be present to speak to the public immediately after the ribbon-cutting event. It is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 10:00 am at the site of one of the battery packs, the County Health Agency Administration Building, 2180 Johnson Avenue in San Luis Obispo. It is reported that the entrance to the event is open to everyone.
Two BESS units using Tesla Powerpacks were installed this summer at the County Public Health Department and Health Agency Administration building in San Luis Obispo. They will be able to store up to 31 hours of electricity, which can be used during power outages. In addition, the batteries will provide power during periods of peak demand when PG&E grid electricity rates are highest, recharging during off-peak periods when rates are reduced. Combined, the two units are expected to save the county $800,000 over a projected 20-year lifespan. The money saved will go to support public health programs.
“Not only is it good financially, but it’s good for the health of our community,” said Health Agency Director Nicholas Drews.
The BESS projects were developed by county Public Works staff with Tesla and funded through the State of California Public Utilities Commission's Self Generation Incentive Program. The program promotes the use of clean energy technologies by prioritizing incentives for the installation of battery storage systems in communities located in regions with a high fire risk.
“The Public Works team is one that solves problems before they happen,” said Public Works Director John Diodati. “That forward-thinking approach defines the success of this BESS project. It not only makes our infrastructure more resilient but is also cost effective for the county taxpayer.”
Third District Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg recognized staff’s forward-thinking efforts, “SLO County’s Public Works Department continues to take an active and integrated approach towards carbon reduction at our county facilities. With the new bank of Tesla batteries at the public health campus, the county takes a big step into the future, assuring delivery of energy with this 24/7 back up, which is very important for county’s health care operations.”
© 2022, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.
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About the Author
Eva Fox
Eva Fox joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover breaking news as an automotive journalist. The main topics that she covers are clean energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, Eva is specialized in Tesla and topics related to the work and development of the company.
