PG&E Allocates $43 Million for Microgrids, Opens Second Grant Application Window to Boost Energy Resilience in Vulnerable Communities

On March 26, 2025, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced it will award up to $43 million in Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP) grants for nine community microgrids in Northern and Central California. The second application window for MIP grants opened on April 3, 2025, with submissions due by May 30, 2025. The MIP aims to support disadvantaged communities vulnerable to outages by funding microgrids that can disconnect from and reconnect to the grid. These microgrids will serve nearly 9,000 customers, including 3,600 with Access and Functional Needs, using clean energy solutions like solar, battery storage, and hydroelectric. Up to $34 million will cover generating resources and project management, with an additional $1 million per project for interconnection costs. The first wave of projects includes four in Humboldt County, three in Lake County, and two in Marin County, with four serving tribal communities. PG&E's MIP is part of a statewide $200 million program authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission.