The Santa Rita Jail is the first in the country to build its own all-inclusive smart grid. Located in Alameda County, the jail is the third-largest facility of its kind in California and the fifth-largest in the nation.
Several energy efficiency and renewable energy projects have been implemented since 2002, including solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, a fuel cell cogeneration plant, an advanced energy storage system, and a 3,600 million British thermal units (BTU) solar hot water system.
See more information about Santa Rita Jail Smart Grid System.



Photos of aerial view and fuel cell cogeneration plant courtesy of Alameda County. Photo of solar photovoltaic system courtesy of the California Energy Commission.
Benefits
- Reliable electricity for daily operations and security.
- Islanding capability without the need to use emergency backup diesel generators.
- Saves Alameda County approximately $100,000 per year in energy costs.
Key Developers and Partners
- California Energy Commission
- United States Department of Energy
- California Public Utilities Commission
- Alameda County's General Services Agency
- Chevron Energy Solutions
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
- California Independent System Operator
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- University of Wisconsin.
Type of Project
Smart grid, solar, wind, fuel cell, advanced energy storage, solar thermal
Status
In operation.

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