Your cooperative is committed to continuing exploration into alternate sources of energy and energy storage in order to provide the greatest reliability for our members. We have begun the installation of cutting-edge battery energy storage technology at the Collier Substation in Fayetteville. The battery project will be integrated at an existing electric substation, adding local energy resources that will enhance system resilience and reliability for co-op consumers-members.

CEO Chris M. Spears

The batteries are being engineered and constructed by North Carolina-based FlexGen, the second-largest energy storage technology company in the nation and a leader in designing energy-storage solutions that further the ongoing evolution in the energy industry.

Nancy Pegler, FlexGen CEO stated that North Carolina’s electric co-ops continue to demonstrate leadership “on delivering a more intelligent and reliable grid”.

The battery in Fayetteville is one of 10 substation batteries being deployed in rural locations this year by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, including South River EMC. Collectively, the batteries will provide 40 megawatts of power, and will be charged when demand for electricity is low and discharged during moments of peak demand for power. This not only enhances electric reliability but is expected to provide cost savings over the lifetime of the batteries. Because cooperatives are not-for-profit, at-cost energy providers, members will benefit from those savings.

Installation of the battery energy storage system will begin early this year, with activation anticipated in the summer. The installation will create temporary construction jobs and help enhance area resources for future investment.

This project complements a growing collection of distributed energy resources including the Cooperative’s microgrid at Butler Farms in Lillington and an upcoming solar plus battery project that is being constructed at the Halls Substation in Sampson County.

In addition to substation batteries, South River EMC and the network of cooperatives in North Carolina have worked together for years to lead innovative energy strategies, including community solar, microgrids, demand-response programs and solar plus storage initiatives.

We will continue to lead the integration, management and optimization of resources and technologies that benefit our community and local members, now and in the decades to come.