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SDG&E cleared for 100MW solar program

SDG&E is aiming to take power from 1MW-2MW arrays

Regulators in California have given the go-ahead to utility San Diego Gas & Electric to purchase 100 megawatts of solar power.

The California Public Utilities Commission cleared the company to build 26MW of its own solar photovoltaic generating capacity on SDG&E property.

It also allowed the utility to buy 74MW of solar output from independent power producers.

SDG&E said the contracts would more than double the 80MW of solar power currently generated in its service territory as it seeks to meet state clean energy targets.

James P Avery, senior vice president of power supply for SDG&E, said: “Today’s decision reflects the ongoing need for a flexible portfolio of solar resources and options that will help SDG&E derive one-third of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.”

Procurement

SDG&E intends to install and procure solar power projects mainly in the one megawatt to two megawatt range, but could also take in arrays up to 5MW in size.

As well as its own projects, the utility will solicit power purchase agreements for solar power projects at other sites in the San Diego area.

In particular, it is looking to buy power from solar arrays set up in areas of high power demand in order to help reduce congestion on the local electricity grid.

Mr Avery said: “This program is beneficial because it further expands our solar power footprint within our service territory and brings that clean, renewable power closer to the areas of greatest demand.”

SDG&E is the third largest investor-owned utility in California, providing electricity to 1.4 million customers in the San Diego and Orange County area.