Location: Avalon, CA
Client: Southern California Edison (SCE)
Delivery Method: Design-Build / CM-at-Risk (active)
Project Overview
Catalina Island relies on the Pebbly Beach Generating Station—six diesel engines (9.4 MW), propane micro-turbines (1.5 MW), and a 1 MW / 7.2 MWh battery—for electricity. To meet new air-quality rules and cut emissions by more than 60 percent, SCE commissioned a repower study with partners NV5, NREL, and the EPA. Options on the table include higher-penetration renewables, added battery storage, and a mainland under-sea cable.
Perera’s Scope of Work
Work PackageKey ElementsRenewables & Storage Enabling• New inverter-ready switchgear pads • 15 kV duct-bank from substation to future PV array • Expanded underground grounding grid EV Infrastructure – Charge Ready• Make-ready conduit, pull-boxes, and metering for Level 2 chargers at Pebbly Beach, Avalon town center, and shuttle hubs • Civil, lighting, and ADA upgrades eligible for SCE Charge Ready rebates Powerhouse Modernization• Removal of legacy auxiliary tanks • Installation of low-NOx diesel after-treatment while long-term repower alternative is finalized
Sustainability Impact
Projected 63 %+ reduction in NOx emissions once the repower portfolio is fully deployed.
Island-wide EV adoption jump-started by make-ready infrastructure that covers up to 100 % of charger hardware and installation costs for local businesses and public agencies.
A resilient micro-grid design that integrates renewable generation and battery storage to keep the island powered during mainland outages.
Current Status
Phase 1 sitework and electrical duct-banks are complete (Q2 2025).
First 24 Level 2 chargers scheduled to energize in Fall 2025.
Repower alternative shortlist—solar + BESS vs. under-sea cable—moves into permitting later in 2025.