As the energy landscape continues to evolve, forward-thinking solutions are becoming essential to ensuring grid reliability, particularly in areas prone to disruptions from severe weather. At Convergent Energy and Power (Convergent), we are dedicated to advancing best-in-class energy storage systems that deliver cost-effective, enhanced resiliency cost-effective solutions to utilities and their communities.
We are thrilled to announce the completion of a 1.75 MW / 8.4 MWh battery storage system in Little Orleans, Maryland, to enhance grid reliability for over 600 Potomac Edison customers. The battery energy storage system integrator is ELM MicroGrid.
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How Non-Wires Alternatives Enhance Grid Resiliency and Reduce Costs
The power lines on which electricity is transported (“transmission” and “distribution” lines) are expensive to build and maintain, and incredibly difficult to site—and, most people do not want new power lines near them. By increasing capacity and resiliency on the grid at the most strategic times, intelligently deployed energy storage avoids or defers the need to build out new (often expensive) infrastructure (wires), which explains why it is called a non-wires alternative.
More and more utilities are procuring non-wires alternatives in the form of energy storage, which can reduce costs for the utility and its customers and increase reliability.
Energy storage systems allow electricity to be stored—and then discharged—at the most strategic times. Utility-scale battery energy storage systems can be charged with electricity from the grid, stored, and discharged when there is a deficit in supply or when energy is most expensive.
Meet Potomac Edison and Convergent’s New Battery Storage System
The system, designed, constructed, and operated by Convergent, supports Potomac Edison customers served by a line in a rural part of Allegany and Washington counties, where tree-related outages frequently occur during severe weather. Potomac Edison will use the battery to provide backup power to customers on that line, reducing the duration of outages experienced, until crews are able to make repairs and restore service. When fully charged, the battery is expected to be able to provide backup power for around five hours to customers on the circuit. In addition, Potomac Edison can reserve the battery on days that present a higher risk of outages in the area based on predicted weather forecasts.
The system was developed in response to the state’s Energy Storage Pilot Program, which was established in 2019 to examine new technologies that could have a transformative impact on electric distribution systems. Through a competitive bidding process, Potomac Edison selected Convergent to build and operate the system in a location where it could provide significant reliability benefits to Potomac Edison customers and supplement electric supply on high-demand days.
Convergent’s system with Potomac Edison is known as a non-wires alternative, or NWA, which removes or defers the need to construct or upgrade components of a distribution and/or transmission system. Energy storage (typically battery storage) is a type of NWA that offers utilities a way to increase capacity on the electric distribution system by charging the batteries when electricity demand is low and discharging when demand is higher. In 2015, Convergent was the first company to develop an NWA for utility infrastructure in the United States.
Jim Myers, FirstEnergy’s President, West Virginia and Maryland, said: “This new system will help keep the lights on for hundreds of our customers and significantly reduce the impact of service interruptions in the area. Convergent has been an outstanding partner on this project, and we look forward to the meaningful reliability benefits it will provide in the future.”
Convergent Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer Frank Genova said, “Convergent continues to power the clean energy transition through energy storage, which is critical to a more reliable electric grid. Potomac Edison’s decision to add battery storage demonstrates their commitment to their customers, their preparedness and strategic planning, and their willingness to embrace contemporary solutions to meet increasing demands on our energy infrastructure.”
Read more in the full project announcement.
Looking Ahead: Convergent's Continued Commitment to Grid Innovation
The completion of this battery storage system in Little Orleans is not just a win for Potomac Edison’s customers—it’s a clear example of how energy storage can play a pivotal role in strengthening grid reliability, especially in areas prone to severe weather disruptions. By providing backup power during outages and enhancing overall service reliability, this project exemplifies the potential of non-wires alternatives (NWA) in modern grid planning.
As we continue to develop and partner with utilities, we remain committed to finding efficient, effective solutions that support communities and help utilities stay ahead of future challenges. This is just one of many ways Convergent is helping to shape the future of energy, ensuring that reliable electricity is always available when it’s needed most.
If you’re interested in learning more about how energy storage can benefit your utility, please contact us today for a free, customized evaluation.
