1. MWL approved an energy storage service agreement with Encore Renewable Energy for a 5-MW battery storage project.
2. The project will provide 22,000 kWh on a full charge, which is approximately 60% of MWL’s typical peak demand.
3. The energy storage system will allow MWL to engage in energy arbitrage, optimize energy costs, and reduce the carbon intensity of the grid during peak demand periods.
Morrisville Water and Light, a not-for-profit public utility, has approved an energy storage service agreement with Encore Renewable Energy to develop a 5-MW battery storage project in Morrisville, Vermont. The project aims to improve grid reliability and provide sustainable energy solutions for the community, with a focus on cost savings and reduced carbon intensity during peak demand periods. The 4.96-MW battery system will be capable of storing 22,000 kWh on a full charge, helping MWL manage voltage spikes, reduce peak demand, participate in capacity markets, and improve grid resilience during emergencies. By engaging in energy arbitrage, MWL will optimize energy costs by charging the batteries during off-peak hours and discharging them during high-demand periods. The project is set to begin operations in November 2026 and is seen as a critical step towards a clean energy future in the state, especially in light of policies that discourage hydro power and the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy sources. With battery storage becoming a key component in enhancing reliability and managing costs, the partnership between MWL and Encore is seen as a model for community-led clean energy transitions.