Nested Microgrid Plans

Today’s 𝗖𝗘𝗖 Commissioner vote resulted in unanimous approval of the award. 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗱𝗶 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗲-𝗚𝘂𝘆𝗻𝘂𝗽, BLR Director of Tribal and Government Affairs, shares BLR’s tremendous appreciation to the Commission for their on-going support. This was followed by 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 of the Schatz Energy Research Center (𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘇) also expressing gratitude for the funding. 𝗖𝗘𝗖’s commitment through the EPIC program provides the stability and resources necessary to advance our critical work, and to continue to prove the effectiveness of our energy independence programs as a model for others to use in their own implementation of programs like this. This funding will allow us, along with our technical partner, 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘇, to demonstrate the crucial integration of necessary technologies, serving as a vital model for Tribal energy initiatives.

 

We intend to prove the effectiveness of a nested or networked microgrid. This technology will then be replicated across the 142 mile-long “Hoopa 1101” distribution circuit, which provides electricity to three Tribes in eastern Humboldt County – the Hoopa, Yurok, and Karuk Tribes – who jointly experience some of the most frequent and longest duration outages in California. This project will support the first Tribal Intergovernmental Collaboration of its kind on the North Coast. Furthermore, we are co-designing a Tribal low-voltage pre-apprenticeship program that will help support operations and maintenance of projects like this, as well as provide opportunity for education and growth in our community. We are deeply appreciative of 𝗖𝗘𝗖’s partnership in fostering energy resilience and sovereignty.