3CE briefs Greenfield on battery storage, projects and programs; cites funding for city initiatives

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) representatives briefed the Greenfield City Council on the agency’s work to supply renewable energy, the role of battery storage for grid reliability, large-scale projects under development and customer-facing programs that offer rebates, vehicle incentives and funding to member agencies.

Sofia Schwartzke, 3CE community relations manager for the northern region, said 3CE serves about 1.2 million people across five counties and currently supplies renewable energy for roughly 94% of eligible customers. Schwartzke outlined the operational value of battery storage — charging during daylight and discharging at peak hours — and highlighted several projects: Willow Rock Energy Storage Center (200 MW compressed-air storage for 3CE customers), Atlas Solar (150 MW solar plus storage), Aratina (120 MW solar plus storage) and Victory Pass (solar-plus-storage recently brought online; 100 MW reserved for 3CE customers).

Schwartzke said 3CE programs include Electrify Your Ride (up to $4,000 toward new or used EVs), home electrification incentives, battery support programs, ag-sector support and technical assistance to member agencies for fleet electrification and EV charger installation. She said more than $300,000 in 3CE funding was available to Greenfield in the current year and that 3CE has expanded bilingual staff, translated materials and outreach to underserved communities.

Council members asked about local enrollment penetration; Schwartzke offered to follow up with Greenfield-specific participation figures. 3CE staff also explained how generation shows on PG&E bills and invited residents and city staff to use 3CE’s website or contact staff for program navigation and direct assistance.