New solar+battery installation at senior center provides clean, backup power for the community during power outages
Milpitas, Calif. – In April, the City of Milpitas cut the ribbon on a new solar and battery storage facility for the community and senior center. Partial funding for the project, totaling $700,000, was provided by a Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) Community Resilience grant, designed to offer technical and financial assistance to SVCE member communities to increase energy independence and preparation for emergencies.
The project consists of a 75.6 kilowatt (kW) solar array, plus a 125 kW battery. In the case of a power outage or other emergency, Milpitas residents can count on the senior center to be powered and up and running, providing conditioned shelter and a kitchen. Plus, first responders and city employees can use the center as a charging station to power necessary electronics.
Mayor Rich Tran shared, “I am very grateful to SVCE for making the City’s journey towards sustainability, environmental health and emergency resilience a reality. The grant award reinforces our Smart City Infrastructure Program, which is expected to save Milpitas over $1.5 million in energy and water costs per year for a total savings of more than $30 million over the program’s lifetime. I look forward to our continued partnership and success for many years to come.”
Power outages from wildfires, extreme heat, and planned shutoff events are increasing – causing economic and public health impacts across the SVCE service territory. SVCE is investing $5 million in local communities to support a more resilient region. The funds enable local governments to make investments during pandemic-related budget cutbacks and support local jobs in a time of increased unemployment.
“Our communities have faced several energy challenges due to grid constraints over the past few summers. SVCE approved the Community Resilience grant funding to encourage and support our communities to invest in local energy resilience to reduce the impacts of these events, which have been exacerbated by climate change,” said Girish Balachandran, SVCE CEO. “This is the first grant project to be completed, and we look forward to other communities following Milpitas’ lead.”
The solar+battery installation is a part of Milpitas’ Smart City infrastructure program.
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About the City of Milpitas
Located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Milpitas is a progressive community that is an integral part of Silicon Valley. A full-service City with water utility, sewer utility, police and fire services, Milpitas celebrates a diverse population of 80,273. Under a Council-Manager form of government, the City Council has established the following seven priority areas of service and policy: public safety, environment, transportation and transit, economic development and job growth, neighborhoods and housing, community wellness and open space, and governance and administration. For more information, visit: www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov
About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, community-owned agency providing clean electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources to more than 270,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is advancing innovative solutions to fight climate change by decarbonizing the grid, transportation, and buildings. Learn more at SVCleanEnergy.org.
Media Contacts
Charmaine Angelo
Public Information Officer, City of Milpitas
O: 408-586-3055
cangelo@milpitas.gov
Michaela Pippin
Communications Specialist, Silicon Valley Clean Energy
O: 408-721-5301 x1020
michaela.pippin@svcleanenergy.org
