Avista Utilities Launches Spokane Center’s First Solar-Battery-Gas Microgrid
Avista Utilities has commissioned the region’s first community-based microgrid at Spokane’s MLK Family Outreach Center, combining solar, battery storage and natural-gas backup to maintain power during extended outages and cut the center’s electricity expenses. The project was funded by Avista’s Named Communities Investment Fund and a Washington State Commerce grant.
1. Microgrid Deployment at MLK Center
Avista Utilities has begun operations of the first community-based microgrid at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center in East Central Spokane. The system integrates rooftop solar arrays, battery storage units and a natural gas generator to supply uninterrupted power during extended grid outages.
2. Funding and Development Details
The microgrid installation received capital support from Avista’s Named Communities Investment Fund, created under Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act, and a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. These funds covered engineering, equipment procurement and interconnection costs.
3. Operational and Community Impact
During normal conditions, the center draws power from the grid while onsite solar and batteries offset standard consumption. In prolonged outages, batteries sustain operations for several hours, with natural gas backup ensuring continuous service for the center’s food bank, childcare services and family support programs.