Clayton Axisa
When the energy-storage station went online, the large batteries began pulling power from the grid when there was an surplus. Before battery systems like this were available, any extra electricity created by power stations or from renewable sources was wasted. The utility can then dole out the energy from the Powerpacks during an outage or when the grid is maxed out (read: in the summer when everyone has their AC blasting).
This is a huge step toward reducing the grid’s reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity. Currently, one major issue with renewable sources such as wind and solar is that if they’re generating more power than the system needs at that moment, it’s wasted. But with battery stations like Mira Loma, those electrons can be stored for later use.
SCE CEO Kevin Payne told the audience during yesterday’s station tour that this isn’t a pilot program or test. “This project is part of our vision at Southern California Edison,” he explained.
