The American Clean Power Association (ACPA) released a new independent report titled ’Battery Energy Storage Impact and Benefits Assessments in MISO’. ACPA commissioned Aurora Energy Research to prepare the report which explores the benefits of expanding battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) footprint – covering 15 US states from Louisiana to North Dakota and extending into Manitoba, Canada, MISO operates the electric grid and wholesale power markets in the region. The study evaluates how energy storage can support grid reliability, reduce electricity costs, and complement the transition from ageing generation to a more diversified and renewable-heavy energy mix.

The report finds that adding about 11 GW of BESS capacity — enough to power 8 million homes during peak demand — in MISO by 2035 could save USD27 billion in system costs. As noted in the report, battery storage has the unique ability to capture excess power and deliver it to the grid when it is needed most, as well as its ability to provide instantaneous dispatchable power, making the technology a natural complement to both renewables and thermal power plants. Batteries would store low-cost, surplus electricity and deliver it to the grid during peak demand, helping to reduce peak power prices and overall system costs. Energy storage resources could cut evening energy price spikes by more than 60 per cent between now and 2035.  

Factors such as retiring thermal assets, increasing demand, high renewable penetration, declining capital costs, federal tax credits, and ease of deployment make battery buildout increasingly attractive. Aurora assumed extensions of the federal production and investment tax credit for wind and solar for the report analyses. Though the July 4, 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (a tax and spending Bill) phased out wind and solar tax credits, it maintains existing tax credits for storage facilities.

The report underscores the crucial role of battery storage in enhancing grid reliability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency in the MISO region. By strategically deploying BESS, MISO can manage peak loads, integrate renewable generation more effectively, and reduce electricity costs for consumers.

The full report can be accessed here.