Long Plagued by Power Failures, Pescadero Stands to Gain in Bid to Build One of California’s Largest Community Microgrids

Source: | · COUNTY OF SAN MATEO · | December 11, 2025

On this stretch of the southern San Mateo County coast, power outages have become as routine as the morning fog. The lights have failed more than 400 times over two years, darkening homes, schools and the small downtown that draws visitors for its bakeries, farm-fresh produce and coastal charm.

San Mateo County officials are now backing an ambitious fix: a solar-and-battery community microgrid that would keep much of the town powered even when the wider grid fails. If built, it would be one of the largest projects of its kind in California.

This week, the Board of Supervisors approved a $3 million commitment toward the project, joining a $10 million pledge from Peninsula Clean Energy, the countywide clean-power agency. The local match is intended to strengthen an application for Pacific Gas & Electric’s Microgrid Incentive Program, which favors projects with significant financial contributions from local partners.

“With this investment we embrace a resilient reliable clean energy future, for a community that for decades has been a victim of one of the Bay Area’s worst power infrastructures,” said Supervisor Ray Mueller, who represents the South Coast. “By committing to invest in this solar microgrid, we are keeping people safe, kids in school, small business open and making a decisive move towards a climate resilient future for seniors and families living in Pescadero. And we are providing a safety hub where people can travel to during natural hazard events, for those living in the large area of unincorporated San Mateo County surrounding Pescadero.”