WECC recently sent out a survey to gauge how many entities are using alternative electro-chemical-based energy storage systems. The responses were limited, as one generally expects, but also did not provide us with an opportunity to further understand the current impact of installed alternative electro-chemical-based energy storage systems on the Western Interconnection. Several respondents answered “Yes” when asked whether alternative electro-chemical-based energy storage systems were being used in their footprint. However, in all cases except one, no contact information was provided. Additionally, the questions regarding the number of locations and the number of batteries were left unanswered. It should be noted that contact information was provided for those that answered “No.”
We know that surveys can add to entities’ time constraints, so we only ask for the most crucial responses. Surveys can help us gain important knowledge while taking up less of an entity’s time than other methods. With that in mind, we are resending the survey and requesting responses accordingly.
With the increasing adoption of alternative electro-chemical-based energy storage systems — like sodium-nickel batteries — questions have arisen about Reliability Standard PRC-005-6: Protection System, Automatic Reclosing, and Sudden Pressure Relaying Maintenance. Right now, this standard focuses on requirements for maintaining traditional batteries. However, a low-priority initiative, Project 2019-04, is underway to update these requirements to include new and alternative storage technologies.
We are aware of the increasing use of these types of batteries, but do not have information showing how widespread their installation is in the interconnection.
To help us better understand the use of alternative electro-chemical-based storage systems in the Western Interconnection, we ask that all Category 1 and 2 Generator Owners and Transmission Owners complete this brief survey by June 30.
We appreciate those entities that responded previously. Entities who completed the survey in its entirety do not need to respond again. We look forward to reviewing the additional survey responses.
