About Energy Storage

Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time. Energy can be stored several different ways: Mechanical (i.e., pumped-storage hydro, CAES, Flywheel, Gravitational), Electro chemical (i.e., Li-Ion batteries, flow, lead-acid), Thermal (Ice A/C, Molten Salt, Solar Pond, Steam Accumulator), or Chemical (Hydrogen, Power-to-gas, Biofuels). Historically, Pumped-storage hydro has made up >90% of installed energy storage , but batteries are forecasted to increase driven largely by cost reductions from electric vehicle adoption.

Why O&R is investing in Energy Storage

As we rely more and more on energy generated from the sun and the wind, our energy system needs to become flexible enough to supply that energy when the sun is not shining and the winds are not blowing. Energy storage provides that flexibility. Energy storage may help improve grid reliability and resiliency, integrate variable sources of renewable energy into the grid, and reduce environmental impacts.
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The Importance of Energy Storage to O&R and its Customers

• Energy storage can be used to integrate more renewable generation resources, like solar and wind, into our energy system to strengthen it for the future.
• Energy storage can help utilities maintain a more flexible and reliable grid.
• Energy storage may be used to make sure every customer has power on the hottest days of the year.
• Energy storage may be used to defer traditional infrastructure projects, giving O&R time to do more thoughtful, cost effective planning while maintaining safe and reliable service to our customers.
• Energy storage is a key tool in supporting New York State’s Clean Energy and Climate Goals .
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Amount of Energy Storage in New York State and O&R Service Territory

• 52,000 kW in NYS.
• 500 kW in O&R.

Note: A residential installation is typically 7kW to 10kW, while commercial installations range from 100 kW up to 500 kW, and utility installations are typically 500 kW or greater.
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What Energy Storage Can Do for Customers

• Provide emergency back-up in the event of an outage, similar to a gas-powered generator.
• When paired with on-site solar generation, storage can be used to increase clean energy consumption.
• For commercial customers, energy storage may be used to save money through reduced demand charges.
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What O&R is Doing About Energy Storage

Through state mandated initiatives, Non-Wires Alternative and Demonstration Projects, O&R explores innovative business models which use energy storage to achieve a cleaner grid, while maintaining safety, reliability, and affordability.