Battery Energy Storage System: A Safe & Affordable Energy Source

What is a battery energy storage system (BESS)?

Situated next to power plants and wind and solar farms, battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are rechargeable battery systems, most commonly using lithium ion, that provide steady sources of power. By storing energy already generated, they stabilize gas and coal power and support solar and wind. If energy were money, BESS would be like having an overdraft account to back up your checking account. 

This approximately 15-year-old technology solves the problem of fluctuating power by storing energy to then provide it around the clock and cover power surges and blackouts. These systems have increased in safety, popularity, and effectiveness in the last five years, making them a viable energy solution. 

BESS installations can look like large refrigerators filled with long, stacked batteries, or like large metal shipping containers with individual compartments, each containing a battery. These systems also include cooling and control components. 

BESS projects support solar and wind energy production by filling in the gaps of natural resources. Energy stored in the batteries bolsters the power grid during times when the sun has set or wind is scarce.

During a California heatwave in 2022, a new BESS bolstered the grid and prevented blackouts — unlike during similar conditions two years before, when surges in demand wiped out power.

Are BESSs safe?

Yes! BESS installations are a safe way to provide reliable energy to consumers. Improvements to technology and updates to fire safety standards have solved the problems of the past.

Before 2020, fire hazard from thermal runaway, a chain reaction that can spread in a battery and potentially explode, was a concern at BESS sites. Old systems and lack of specialized training for firefighters contributed to dozens of fires in the U.S. between 2012-2020. As a result, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created a series of standards for BESSs. The codes in NFPA 855 are now required standards by local jurisdictions or authorities for most BESS implementations. Very small residential or battery backup systems less than 20 kilowatt-hours are often exempt from full NFPA 855 requirements, but they still undergo stringent testing and have strict installation codes. 

Fire incidents have significantly decreased in numbers and severity since implementing these requirements. Two keys to the reduction of large-scale fire risk are separate containers for each battery in the system and firefighter training to employ passive firefighting techniques for containment issues. 

How does a BESS save money?

A BESS stores energy when electricity prices are low for use when prices are higher. This helps offset price spikes for businesses and residents. What sets BESS apart from other energy solutions is its reliability. The energy stored inside of a battery is constant, ready, and in motion.  “An object in motion, stays in motion” applies here. Containing an active source of energy, a BESS is a momentum machine. This momentum saves money, not only during peak energy-usage times, but overall, by reducing the need for large turbines and fuel.

During an especially cold January 2024, Texas consumers saved $750 million due to BESS implementation.

What are the benefits of BESS?

• Keeps energy local: Systems operate near power plants for ease in transferring energy.

• Lowers energy costs: 

  • By reducing peak demand charges through energy storage.

  • Through federal tax credits that save companies and consumers money.

  • By minimizing the need to buy from larger markets at higher costs in extreme seasons.

• Minimizes power outages: Charged batteries run steadily while other systems are down and/or generators are powering on.

• Increases U.S. energy production: Another viable source of local energy.

• Provides national security: National self-reliance on energy and steady power for military microgrids bolster national security.

• No air pollution: BESS is clean and does not emit gases or pollution into the air.

• Creates more than 350,000 jobs: In May of 2025, the American Clean Power Association committed $100 billion to U.S.-made BESSs.

Nevada consumers are projected to save 15-20% on energy costs due to one new BESS in their state.

What are the drawbacks of BESS technology?

• Batteries degrade over time, typically needing replacements or retrofits after 10-15 years.

• It requires specialized training for firefighters: Not all firefighters are trained in fighting battery fires and explosions. 

• There are high initial costs associated with integration into existing energy-collection systems, although these costs are falling precipitously. 

How can I advocate for BESS in my community?

First, learn if and how your state is implementing BESS technology. Do you live in California or Texas or another state in the top 10? If not, start by attending energy commission meetings and supporting healthy BESS ordinances in your area.

In 2026, MWEG Arizona members joined the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association and others to advocate for a responsible BESS ordinance in Maricopa County. The ordinance passed, and Maricopa is being heralded as an example for other counties to follow.

Why does MWEG care about BESSs?

Earth and its resources are sacred, and as such, the environment is one of MWEG’s four areas of advocacy. MWEG believes “governments and members of society have an obligation to exercise responsible stewardship of the earth, thereby protecting not only the wellbeing of their citizens, but also that of both future generations and other citizens of the planet.” The responsible use of earth’s resources contributes to the ethical stewardship of our planet. As part of that stewardship, MWEG is concerned about the availability and affordability of energy for ratepayers and everyday consumers. BESS technology is proving to be an effective solution to enhance energy efficiency with relatively few environmental impacts. 

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This article was written by Mormon Women for Ethical Government lead researcher and writer Sherilyn Stevenson with environment specialist Paulette Stauffer Henriod.