SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Atlantic City Electric is proposing a massive battery storage system in Salem County that would provide electricity for 400,000 homes during peak load times on the hottest summer days.
The massive 500-megawatt battery storage facility would be the biggest of its kind on the multi-state PJM Interconnection grid. The company filed the proposal with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to build on company property in Pittsgrove.
Atlantic City Electric said, “By storing electricity and delivering it during periods of high demand, the battery energy storage system will protect customers from rising energy market prices and lower energy costs while improving grid reliability and ensuring a more resilient and dependable in-state power supply.”
Mario Giovannini with Atlantic City Electric said the goal is to improve network reliability and reduce costs for customers as quickly as possible.
Once the battery is up and running, it would provide about four hours of power to help handle the peak load every day.
“Reliability focused, which is job No. 1, and obviously affordability is right there with it,” Giovannini said.
Timing is also important, as customers have seen bills skyrocket. While nuclear plants can take 10 years to complete, Giovannini said this project would be up in three years.
And, he said customers would see zero impact on their bills for at least five years after completion, as federal tax credits would fund the project.
“This project is a direct response to the energy supply challenges facing our region,” added Andrew Hendry, region president of Atlantic City Electric. “For years, we’ve talked about the need for more energy resources as demand continues to grow and supply becomes increasingly constrained. Now we are stepping up to take action to address this challenge. Battery storage is a practical solution that can be deployed quickly to help manage rising energy costs for customers, strengthen reliability, and support the grid during periods of peak demand.”
The project needs regulatory approvals. If it gets the OK, it would be completed in 2030.
The project aims to improve network reliability and reduce costs for customers
The project aims to improve network reliability and reduce costs for customers
