U.S.
California American Water Completes Installation of New Battery Backup System in Madera County to Strengthen Resilience
HILLVIEW, Calif., September 10, 2025--California American Water is strengthening emergency preparedness and enhancing reliability by installing battery energy storage systems (BESS) in high-risk regions across the state. The newest system, the first of its kind for the company in Madera County, is located at the Sierra Lakes Water Treatment Plant in Hillview and represents California American Water’s commitment to critical investment in maintaining and protecting water service during emergencies
About this update from American Water Works Company, Inc.
[{"type":"image","alt":"","displaySize":"","headline":null,"caption":"","credit":null,"className":"","disableSlideshowImg":false,"size":{"original":{"width":480,"height":305,"url":"https://media.zenfs.com/en/business-wire.com/38402d0c9dd27c248f6ba738ab4315c8"},"resized":{"url":"https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/my4HX..MXpeZeraoXn6qFA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxMDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/business-wire.com/38402d0c9dd27c248f6ba738ab4315c8","width":480,"height":305}},"lazy":false},{"type":"text","content":"HILLVIEW, Calif., September 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California American Water is strengthening emergency preparedness and enhancing reliability by installing battery energy storage systems (BESS) in high-risk regions across the state. The newest system, the first of its kind for the company in Madera County, is located at the Sierra Lakes Water Treatment Plant in Hillview and represents California American Water’s commitment to critical investment in maintaining and protecting water service during emergencies and Public Safety Power Shutoffs.","length":551,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""This installation reflects months of planning and collaboration," said Audie Foster, Director of Operations of California American Water’s Northern Division. "We’re proud to deliver a solution that not only improves reliability but also aligns with our sustainability goals."","length":296,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Public Safety Power Shutoffs, usually initiated by electric utilities to prevent wildfires, can disrupt water infrastructure that relies on uninterrupted power. Each grid-charged battery system can provide up to 24 hours of backup power and is tailored to site-specific needs.","length":276,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The $800,000 Hillview project is supported in part by California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), a state-administered initiative that encourages clean energy investments, which will contribute nearly $350,000 toward the project’s total cost. The BESS will replace diesel generators, offering cleaner, more reliable energy in a region where outages regularly occur.","length":376,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""Adding systems that enhance reliability and resilience like these to reinforce our water infrastructure, is a top priority for Californ...