Wake Electric to Add Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage to Local Grid
Wake Forest, N.C. (Jan. 20, 2022) – Wake Electric announced today the planned installation of cutting-edge battery energy storage technology in Wake Forest. The battery project will be integrated at an existing electric substation, adding local energy resources that will enhance system resilience and reliability for co-op consumers-members.
“Wake Electric believes that this energy storage project will allow the cooperative to store power during off-peak times and use that electricity when capacity is constrained, resulting in reliable and affordable power supply for years to come,” said Don Bowman, vice president of engineering and operations.
The battery in Wake Forest is one of 10 substation batteries being deployed in rural locations this year by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, including Wake Electric. Collectively, the batteries will provide 40 MWs of power and will be charged when demand for electricity is low and discharged during moments of peak demand for power. This not only enhances electric reliability but is expected to provide cost savings over the lifetime of the batteries. Co-op members will benefit from those savings because cooperatives are not-for-profit, at-cost energy providers.
Installation of the battery energy storage system will begin early this year, with activation anticipated in the summer. The installation will create temporary construction jobs and help enhance area resources for future investment.
In addition to substation batteries, Wake Electric and the network of cooperatives in North Carolina have worked together for years to lead innovative energy strategies, including community solar, microgrids, demand response programs and solar plus storage initiatives.
“We will continue to lead the integration, management and optimization of resources and technologies that benefit our community and local consumer-members, now and in the decades to come,” said Jim Mangum, general manager and CEO.
Wake Electric is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance, and Wake counties. Visit www.wemc.com for more information.
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