Apr 27 2015
The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria is installing the first California Tribal renewable microgrid system this summer in Loleta, California. The Bear River Band’s new energy system is the only system of its kind combining wind energy, solar energy, and advanced energy storage.
“Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria has a long-term investment in sustainability. JLM Energy’s solution is really unique in that it brings solar, wind and energy storage together. We can optimize all our efforts for energy self-reliance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first renewable hybrid microgrid installed by a California Tribe. Bear River is thinking global and acting local by choosing JLM Energy, a California firm, and using green energy.”— Mr. Edwin Smith, Tribal Council Member and Director of Environment and Natural Resources
Working with JLM Energy, the Tish Non Community Center on the Bear River Rancheria, will install an advanced energy storage system, complemented by onsite renewable energy generation. JLM’s Gridz system will provide a 30kW microgrid. The system will seamlessly support the building’s operations during a power outage. In addition, the system actively works to reduce demand charges. The Gridz microgrid solution is supported by a 100kW photovoltaic solar system and twenty of JLM’s Zefr wind turbines, providing an integrated approach to sustainable energy.
Gridz will enable the Tish Non Tribe to reduce the community center’s energy use by shaving peak demand charges. JLM’s cloud-based energy management software, Measurz, monitors loads in real-time for efficiency and energy optimization. “Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria is proud to partner with JLM Energy in establishing a renewable energy microgrid for the The Tish Non Community Center. This important green energy project demonstrates our respect for natural resources, self-reliance and Tribal Sovereignty.”— Mr. Barry Brenard, Tribal Council Member
The JLM-designed system is unique in that it combines a microgrid with wind and solar energy in an integrated system. This hybrid system provides peak demand energy reduction at the community center, offsets energy expenses and assists the Tish Non Tribe in gaining energy independence and sustainable self-reliance.
About Bear River Band, Rohnerville Rancheria
The vision of the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria is shaping a secure healthy future by responsibly exercising sovereignty, investing in our people, refining and evolving as a tribal organization, preserving and revitalizing our culture while serving the best interests of all people.
The mission of Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria is to promote balance between quality of life, self sufficiency, sustainability and cultural awareness for Bear River.