Convergent Energy’s Storage Backs Up Potomac Edison in Storm
Convergent Energy and Power (Convergent), a leading provider of energy storage solutions in North America, has successfully demonstrated the value of its battery energy storage technology by providing backup power to nearly 400 Potomac Edison customers affected by a winter storm. The event highlights the critical role that energy storage systems play in modernizing the electric grid, improving reliability, and ensuring that communities remain resilient in the face of extreme weather conditions.
The 1.75 MW / 8.4 MWh battery energy storage system, located in Little Orleans, Maryland, was designed, constructed, and is currently operated by Convergent. It was specifically built to support Potomac Edison customers who are served by a power line in a rural part of Allegany and Washington counties. During a period of high winds on February 16, the energy storage system provided 11 hours of backup power to local residents and businesses, significantly reducing the duration of an outage while utility crews worked to restore the primary electrical service.
According to Don Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer of Convergent, this event exemplifies the company’s mission to solve real-world problems through advanced energy storage solutions. “This is precisely why Convergent exists—to solve problems,” Jenkins stated. “There was a critical, unplanned need and our system was able to provide power when the broader grid was unavailable. This is a textbook application of Convergent’s value proposition and speaks to the pressing need for more energy storage in communities that are vulnerable to power outages. We are proud to support the Little Orleans community and applaud Potomac Edison for modernizing its energy infrastructure for the benefit of its customers.”
The event underscores the growing importance of battery energy storage as an essential component of a reliable and resilient electrical grid. Traditional power distribution systems often rely on transmission lines that can be damaged by high winds, ice, and other severe weather conditions. When these lines go down, customers experience power outages that can last for hours or even days, depending on the extent of the damage and the time required for utility crews to perform repairs. Energy storage systems like the one deployed by Convergent offer an alternative approach by acting as a buffer, instantly supplying power when the grid fails and bridging the gap until full service is restored.
Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy’s West Virginia and Maryland operations, emphasized the significance of having a reliable backup power source in such situations. “While power outages can be disruptive, it was reassuring to know that Convergent’s battery energy storage system was readily available for our customers during their time of need,” said Myers.
The development of this system was driven by Maryland’s Energy Storage Pilot Program, which was established in 2019 to explore innovative technologies with the potential to transform electric distribution systems. The program aims to evaluate the economic and operational benefits of energy storage and to determine how such systems can be deployed more broadly to enhance grid resilience and reliability.
Convergent’s energy storage system is classified as a non-wires alternative (NWA), a term used to describe solutions that remove or defer the need for traditional transmission and distribution system upgrades. NWAs, particularly those involving battery storage, enable utilities to increase capacity on the electric distribution system without having to invest in costly infrastructure expansions. Instead of building new transmission lines or substations, utilities can install energy storage systems that charge when electricity demand is low and discharge when demand peaks, thereby alleviating stress on the grid.
Convergent has been at the forefront of NWA development in the United States. In 2015, the company became the first to deploy an NWA solution for utility infrastructure in the country. Since then, Convergent has continued to innovate in the energy storage sector, demonstrating the viability of its technology in multiple real-world applications.
The success of the battery storage system in Little Orleans is a testament to the effectiveness of NWAs in addressing grid reliability challenges. By strategically deploying energy storage, utilities can mitigate the impact of power outages, reduce the need for expensive grid upgrades, and improve service continuity for customers. As climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather events, the demand for resilient energy solutions is expected to increase, making energy storage an essential tool for utilities looking to modernize their infrastructure.
One of the key advantages of energy storage systems is their ability to provide immediate and seamless backup power. Unlike traditional backup generators, which require fuel and can take time to activate, battery storage systems respond instantly, ensuring that customers experience minimal disruption during an outage. This rapid response capability is particularly important in rural areas, where restoration efforts may take longer due to the logistical challenges of accessing remote locations.
Beyond emergency backup power, energy storage systems also offer a range of additional benefits. For utilities, they provide a means of enhancing grid stability by smoothing out fluctuations in electricity supply and demand. They can also support the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind by storing excess energy when generation is high and releasing it when production declines. For consumers, energy storage can lead to greater energy independence, lower electricity costs, and increased reliability.
The deployment of the Little Orleans battery storage system aligns with broader trends in the energy sector, where utilities and policymakers are increasingly recognizing the value of distributed energy resources. State and federal initiatives aimed at expanding energy storage deployment have gained momentum in recent years, driven by the need to create a more resilient and sustainable energy grid. Incentive programs, regulatory support, and technological advancements are all contributing to the accelerated adoption of energy storage solutions nationwide.
Convergent remains committed to advancing energy storage technology and working with utility partners to implement innovative solutions that enhance grid reliability and efficiency. The company’s success in Little Orleans serves as a model for future projects, demonstrating how energy storage can be leveraged to improve service continuity and customer satisfaction.
For Potomac Edison and its customers, the success of this system underscores the potential for energy storage to play a critical role in enhancing grid resilience. By investing in modern infrastructure solutions like battery storage, utilities can better prepare for unforeseen disruptions and ensure that customers have access to reliable power when they need it most.
As energy storage technology continues to evolve, its applications will expand beyond backup power to include demand management, frequency regulation, and other grid support functions. The ability to store and dispatch energy as needed will be instrumental in shaping the future of the electric grid, making it more adaptable, efficient, and capable of withstanding the challenges posed by an increasingly unpredictable climate.
The experience in Little Orleans provides a compelling case study of how battery energy storage can deliver tangible benefits to both utilities and consumers. It demonstrates that energy storage is not just a theoretical solution but a practical and effective tool for improving grid resilience in real-world scenarios. As the energy industry continues to innovate, projects like this one will pave the way for a smarter, more sustainable, and more reliable power system for all.
