The City of San Luis Obispo’s Utilities Department has successfully installed a Tesla Megapack battery storage system at its Water Treatment Plant, marking a significant step in the city’s commitment to climate action, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
The Tesla Megapack has a capacity of 644 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and integrates seamlessly into the plant’s operations.
“The installation of the Tesla battery system at our Water Treatment Plant is a testament to our City’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and resilience,” said Aaron Floyd, City Utilities Director, in a statement.
“This project not only exemplifies the positive impact of grant-funded initiatives but also demonstrates our dedication to providing clean, reliable, and cost-effective services to our community. It’s a win-win for both our residents and the environment,” explained Floyd.
Funded through grants, the project incurs no cost to the community and aligns with the city’s goal to achieve carbon-neutral municipal operations by 2030. The battery system will also help reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the strain on the community’s energy grid.
The Tesla battery system offers several key advantages that align with the City of San Luis Obispo’s sustainability and energy efficiency goals. One of the most immediate benefits is the smoothing of peak energy demand.
The Water Treatment Plant experiences high energy consumption during equipment start-up and peak operational periods, which can strain the local PG&E power grid and result in elevated electrical costs.
By shifting energy demand to the Tesla battery during these high-demand periods, the plant can effectively mitigate spikes in energy consumption, thereby relieving pressure on the power grid.
Another significant benefit is the optimization of energy use. The Tesla battery can be charged during off-peak hours when electricity is both the cheapest and most abundant, often sourced from clean energy like solar and wind.
Once charged, the battery can be programmed to discharge during peak energy demand periods. This is particularly beneficial when electricity is more expensive and the grid is under stress, often relying on less sustainable energy sources. This strategic use of stored energy not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes the plant’s carbon footprint.
Lastly, the Tesla Megapack enhances the resilience of the Water Treatment Plant. In the event of a scheduled or unscheduled loss of power from PG&E, the charged battery can be utilized to maintain the continuous operation of the plant.
This seamless transition from grid power to battery power is crucial for the facility’s uninterrupted operation and also reduces the need for the onsite backup diesel generator, further lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The battery is estimated to have the capacity to operate the entire Water Treatment Plant and the city’s largest water pump station for up to seven hours, providing an added layer of security and resilience.
The project began last year in collaboration with PG&E’s Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), allowing the Water Treatment Plant to shift energy use from the PG&E grid to the battery without interrupting operations. This installation is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to modernize the facility and improve its resiliency while reducing electrical demands.
