Energy hub for every day and crises
Avista workers inspect battery installed at MLK Center. Photo courtesy of Avista
On Tuesday, May 12, Avista Utilities launched the region's first community-based microgrid at the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Family Outreach Center, 500 S. Stone in Spokane.
The project highlights how innovative energy solutions—with solar, battery storage and natural gas backup—strengthen reliability, support critical services during outages and show the power of community partnership.
It was developed with grants from the Washington Department of Commerce and Avista's Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF). The NCIF program was created by the Clean Energy Transformation Act to support projects in communities facing greater challenges.
The MLK Center invites people to volunteer, donate or help on the microgrid operation team. The system supports the center's year-round food bank, childcare and family services as it provides backup power, so those services continue and the center can remain open as a shelter during extended, unplanned power outages.
Using power from the solar system and battery every day also helps reduce the MLK Center's energy bills so more resources can be used for critical programs.
The center is in East Central Spokane, one of Spokane's most ethnically diverse neighborhoods.
"We're here for families every day, and during emergencies, people rely on us even more. This energy system helps us continue that work and keep our doors open for the neighborhood," said Freda Gandy, MLK Center executive director.
"We believe the best energy solutions come from working hand in hand with the community. When we listen first and build together, we can create systems that support people today and into the future," said Heather Rosentrater, Avista CEO and president.
For information, call 868-0856 or email info@mlkspokane.org.
