SoCalGas (Sempra) spotlights microgrids and CHP for San Joaquin Valley resilience

San Joaquin Valley energy resilience in focus

Southern California Gas Co., a unit of Sempra Energy, is using the World Ag Expo to spotlight on-site power solutions aimed at improving reliability for critical facilities across the San Joaquin Valley. At the event, SoCalGas and BSD Builders display microgrid and combined heat and power (CHP) systems they are developing together, presenting fuel‑flexible platforms that can run on pipeline natural gas, renewable natural gas or hydrogen. The partnership is actively developing 10 projects intended to provide continuous power with heat recovery for hospitals, agricultural processors and other mission‑critical sites.

Company officials say the microgrid and CHP approach helps meet state reliability goals while offering operational and economic benefits to customers. The systems provide on‑site generation that captures waste heat for additional efficiency, and BSD Builders describes the installations as cost‑effective, dependable alternatives to relying solely on the grid. SoCalGas frames the technology as a way to maintain services during outages, support sector‑specific needs such as food processing and healthcare, and facilitate gradual integration of lower‑carbon fuels as they become available.

The joint projects underscore a shift by a major utility unit toward distributed energy resources that bolster local resilience without large centralized infrastructure builds. SoCalGas is presenting the systems directly to farmers, processors and facility managers at the expo to illustrate application, fuel options and potential reliability advantages. The initiative aligns with broader industry moves to blend CHP and microgrids with renewable fuels and to use local generation to reduce strain on regional transmission during peak conditions.

Customer outreach, safety and assistance

Alongside technology displays, SoCalGas staffs a booth to provide the public with information on bill assistance, energy‑efficiency rebates and pipeline safety, including the importance of calling 811 before digging. Andy Carrasco, vice president of community and regional stakeholder engagement, says face‑to‑face interactions let the company answer local questions and guide enrollment for programs.

SoCalGas emphasizes longstanding community ties, noting participation at every World Ag Expo since 1968, a presence praised by the expo operator. Staff direct visitors to socalgas.com for program details and distribute printed and digital materials while coordinating with local partners to widen program reach and regional energy resilience.