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New Microgrid in Gonzales Promises Major Benefits
When rolling power blackouts hit California's Salinas Valley in the future, they should roll right past the energy-dependent packing houses that anchor the industrial parks in the city of Gonzales.
Gonzales will soon become one of a scant few communities in California to have an operational microgrid – a small, autonomous energy grid that can supply power to a limited area. It will also become a pioneer in creating a microgrid that supplies multiple users rather than just one designated customer. Additionally, it will enable the city to independently supply power to its industrial companies (mainly produce processing plants) apart from the regional grid that carries electricity to customers. Once it starts producing and selling electricity next year, the microgrid promises to provide power to these businesses that is more reliable, cleaner and cheaper than what is currently available. The results of the project are being closely watched by communities nationwide as the microgrid concept gains traction. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, has recently introduced legislation in Congress offering tax incentives to expand and deploy microgrids at the local level.
About City of Gonzales
The city of Gonzales, California is located in Monterey County. The quaint and culturally diverse community of approximately 9,000 people is in the heart of the Salinas Valley’s agricultural and wine region. Gonzales is an established regional leader in agricultural-technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Gonzales is home to companies such as HealthySoil, which manufactures products to improve agricultural crop production; Converted Organics, a natural fertilizer company; Taylor Farms, a fresh vegetable production facility, Mann Packing/Del Monte Fresh, a leading supplier of fresh cut vegetables; Ramsay Highlander, an innovator, designer and manufacturer of technologically-advanced harvesting equipment; Papé Equipment Handling, Braga Fresh, Green Valley Farm Supply, Tessemae’s, American Bioscience, Caraccioli Cellars, and Constellation Brands, an international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits.