Creating at a Clean, Reliable & Bright Energy Future

Arizona Generation & Transmission Cooperatives Invests in Battery Energy Storage Systems

Arizona Generation and Transmission Cooperatives (AzGT) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing reliable power to rural communities across the Southwest. In response to the ever-changing energy landscape, AzGT has devised an ambitious Reliable Energy Plan to diversify and expand its energy portfolio to better serve its member cooperatives.

As a critical part of this initiative, AzGT has completed the construction, testing, and commissioning of 2 battery energy storage systems (BESS) for its member cooperatives Sulphur Spring Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) and Trico Electric Cooperative (Trico). Commissioning of a third BESS site for Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) is underway. All 3 units will be deployed before the end of the summer.

The first of the 3 BESS units was designed and developed for the benefit of SSVEC. Operations went live on June 4. The BESS unit works in tandem with SSVEC’s 20-megawatt solar panel system to provide storage for the surplus of power produced during the day. This power can then be used to better support evening demand fluctuations as the sun begins to set. With a storage capacity of 40 megawatt-hours, this system is poised to deliver a more secure energy supply for more than 53,000 homes in Southern Arizona.

Thanks to its unique business model, the BESS projects will benefit everyone who uses AzGT power. These innovative systems, powered by state-of-the-art technology, will bring a host of benefits to members, including lower energy costs, improved reliability, and reduced emissions.

These units are just the beginning of AzGT’s Reliable Energy Plan. The cooperative will continue to pioneer creative projects and innovative initiatives, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to supporting rural communities.