What is Power Storage? A Growing U.S. Trend
Power storage refers to the act of reserving electricity, typically within batteries, for future use. Power storage is a growing trend in the U.S. as the demand for uninterrupted power is ever-increasing. Recent reports show that “the combined power rating of installed electricity storage in the U.S. grew 181.5 megawatts (MW) over the past year to a new high of 585.5 MW at the end of the second quarter of 2017” (Electrical Contractor).
With power grid problems on the rise, power storage and other methods of sourcing power during emergencies are as important as ever. By connecting power storage facilities to the grid, power supply companies are better able to cope with and provide much needed power during emergencies. In fact, according to a recent report by Platts, “22 companies own and operate 45 grid-connected energy storage facilities in 12 states”. These grid-connected energy storage facilities will help to keep power flowing if and when issues arise with the grid.
Reasons for Increase in Power Storage
There are several contributing factors to the increase in power storage in the United States. These factors include:
- Decreasing Prices: As costs relating to power storage (such as the cost of storage units) drop, more and more companies are able to effectively store power. The increase in number of companies storing power as well as existing companies being able to store more power add to the growth of power being stored.
- Alternative to Infrastructure Upgrades: Rather than investing the large amounts of money it would take to upgrade aging infrastructure, including adding new lines of distribution in areas of great demand, companies can save money by installing storage units that help provide needed power.
- Technological Advances: As technological advances are made in the field of power storage, the amount of power stored rises. These advances make stored power more reliable as well as make it possible for power to be stored for longer periods of time.
In addition to power supply companies investing in more power storage to better accommodate their customers, many types of facilities and businesses choose to install their own forms of power sources for backup power. These power sources often are in the form of power generators; many companies choose used backup generators for an affordable redundant power supply.
Woodstock Power Company Contact Information:
Customer service staff members at Woodstock are always available to answer your questions relating to power storage, used generators for backup power and more! Get in touch by phone or email anytime that is convenient for you.
Phone: 610-658-3242
Email: sales@woodstockpower.com