Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative is nearing completion of a major battery energy storage project at its Wayne City substation.
The battery will store electricity for use during periods of high demand, reducing the amount of power the cooperative must purchase when demand and energy costs are highest.
Officials say the system will also help ease strain on the electric grid during peak periods. When conservation is requested, stored electricity can be released to help reduce the potential need for emergency measures such as rolling blackouts.
Local contractors are assisting with construction, allowing part of the project’s investment to remain in the area.
The new battery storage system is expected to be operational sometime in October.