PG&E builds temporary microgrid in Shingletown

Wildfire season is approaching, and to help small communities, PG&E is building a temporary micro-grid to help limit the number of customers who lose power when a public safety power shutoff happens.

To cut the impacts of power blackout when fire danger spikes -- action news now reporter ana torrea is live in shasta county -- with the plan to spare businesses from*anothe* shutdown.

Behind me: you can see that construction is happening right now for the "temporary micro-grid" here in shingletown.

And this is encouraging news for businesses like the grocery store right nextdoor.

Take so* trt: 11 gary burr lives in shingletown we dont do to well when the power goes out, especially for the folks without no generators.

If you have a generator you normally get by.

But then it goes out for days and days and then it gets hard to do your business and live.

For many people in shingletown: reed's market serves as one the main grocery stores for the community.

So when pg&e's "public safety power shutoffs" hit -- they forced many people to shop somewhere else.

Take so* trt:17 david thomas lives in shingletown it makes you go to redding to do anything, you cannot gas, and people with generators are driving to redding to get gas is really problem because its 35 miles// we were out 6 or 7 days and for older people it's tough on them, it really is.

To combat this problem: pg&e is installing a new temporary micro-grid.

Take so* ((no lower-- phoner gfx with pg&e spokesperson paul moreno) trt: 18 we understand these communities have been hit hard and having part of shingletown available, especially ones that offer services, will enable customers to live nearby, even if they're without power, to still come by and buy gas and food and make other arrangements as needed.

Ana stand u* trt:14 ana torrea atorreanews once this microgrid is complete, pg&e says in the event of another psps, they will be able to bring in generators, which help keep parts of the community- powered and keep the lights on if another pg&e does force another "public safety power shutoff".

And many people say: the micro-grid is a much needed solution... take so* trt:07 david thomas lives in shingletown it allows people in shingletown to get gas and supplies during these power outages, it's been construction for the micro- grid here in shingletown began back in april.

Pg&e says: the project is on track.

And expects to have to have the micro-grid complete by next month