San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved the expansion of its Westside Canal Battery Energy Storage facility in California’s Imperial Valley. The project will add 100 megawatts (MW) to the existing 131 MW capacity, enhancing the region’s energy storage capabilities. The expanded facility is expected to be fully operational by June 2025.
“The expansion of Westside Canal is a critical step toward strengthening our region’s energy resiliency and advancing California’s clean-energy goals,” stated Caroline Winn, chief executive officer of SDG&E. “By increasing storage capacity, we can allow more clean energy to be efficiently stored and dispatched when it’s needed most, helping to create a more resilient and sustainable grid for our communities.”
Following the expansion, SDG&E’s Westside Canal complex will feature 231 MW of energy storage and will be the largest asset in SDG&E’s utility-owned battery storage portfolio.
SDG&E’s utility-owned battery storage portfolio is expected to reach nearly 480 MW of power capacity and over 1.9 GWh of energy storage by year-end, including the Westside Canal expansion and two additional projects in San Diego County currently being constructed.
Westside Canal represents a significant investment in the region’s energy infrastructure, supporting local communities by providing more reliable and clean power, and positions the region as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. Battery storage is also part of SDG&E’s aim to improve energy affordability by securing federal tax credits that can help reduce electric infrastructure costs. In fact, SDG&E was able to lower the average monthly electric delivery bill for residential customers for the second year in a row, in part, because the company returned $200 million in federal tax credits to customers for recently completed battery storage.
The expansion of Westside Canal will provide four key services that enhance grid reliability and efficiency:
- Generation Capacity – Acting as an additional energy resource, the storage system will provide backup power when needed, helping to ensure sufficient electricity supply during peak-demand periods.
- Ancillary Services – The system will help maintain a stable and reliable power supply by supporting grid functions such as frequency regulation and voltage control.
- Energy Balancing – The system will store excess energy when demand is low and discharge it when demand is high, facilitating more efficient energy use and helping to stabilize electricity prices.
- Congestion Management – The system will improve power flow efficiency and support overall grid stability, by absorbing energy near generation sources and releasing it when transmission line congestion is lower.
This addition highlights SDG&E’s efforts to modernize the energy grid, integrate more renewable energy, and provide a dependable power supply for the region all while prioritizing safety with advanced measures. The facility is designed to meet strict Underwriters Laboratories and National Fire Protection Association (UL/NFPA) standards and include multiple emergency stops, lockable disconnects and lightning protection.
With safety at its core, SDG&E closely adheres to recognized energy-storage safety practices through robust safety systems, strong coordination with first responders, and regular reviews of the latest research, helping advance a safe transition to a cleaner energy future.
