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District Improves Service Reliability with New Generators

Backup Power Throughout the District. The District maintains emergency backup power at six critical pumping stations and at the main treatment plant, to ensure uninterrupted sewer service even during widespread power outages. With Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events becoming more common as a fire prevention mechanism, the District anticipates using those emergency generators more often.

$3 Million Investment in Backup Power. To keep those facilities in peak working condition, the District plans to invest $3 million in upgrading and maintaining its generator system. Five of the seven existing generators have reached the end of their useful life, and will be replaced as part of this project. In addition, two new generators will be installed at pump stations that do not currently have emergency backup power, and a new portable generator acquired to provide emergency power for the smaller pumping stations. The most critical generators—including the ones at the Main Street Pump Station and the treatment plant—will be installed before fall of 2021 if possible.

The District exercises and maintain its generators throughout the year to ensure reliable backup power. As long as fuel is available, the treatment and collection facilities can operate indefinitely. Two days’ worth of fuel reserves are maintained at all times, and the District is currently investigating contracts that would guarantee priority from fuel suppliers during extended outages. PG&E has also installed ten large generators in Marin City's Gateway shopping center, providing an additional backup power source for Marin City and the City of Sausalito during PSPS events.

Our Power Works Even When PG&E’s Doesn’t. The District’s investments, planning, and proactive maintenance ensure that its treatment and collection facilities are reliable and operational 24/7, even if PG&E cannot provide power safely. As California’s climate changes and fire season becomes longer and more dangerous, the District’s power planning will continue to stay one step ahead.