Battery storage is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic imperative. As regions like CAISO and ERCOT reap the benefits of large-scale deployments, others like MISO and SPP are only beginning to catch up. And the consequences of delay are becoming increasingly clear.
MISO: A Warning from the Future
A recent report from Aurora Energy Research modeled MISO’s grid performance in 2035. Without additional battery storage:
- Peak daily prices could nearly triple
- Evening price spikes become severe, especially between 5–8 PM
- Consumers face higher costs, and utilities struggle with reliability
Battery storage helps shift excess low-cost power to peak hours, smooth out price spikes, and support reliability as demand grows. Without it, the grid becomes more fragile—and more expensive.
Subheading: SPP: A Parallel Story with Even Sharper Price Volatility
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) faces similar challenges. Aurora’s modeling of SPP on a peak summer day in 2035 shows:
With Battery Storage:
- Batteries charge during low-price daytime hours and discharge during evening peaks
- Peak price: $153/MWh
- Reduced reliance on expensive gas peakers
- Smoother generation mix with solar, wind, and hydro
Without Battery Storage:
- Increased reliance on gas combustion turbines during peak hours
- Peak price: $198/MWh
- Price spikes during evening demand surge
- Less solar capacity deployed (~3 GW less by 2035 compared to battery-enabled scenario)
In extreme scarcity scenarios, SPP’s peak prices could soar to $1,141/MWh—a nearly $1,000/MWh increase compared to battery-supported conditions.
Strategic Takeaways
Battery storage isn’t just about smoothing curves—it’s about:
- Avoiding economic shocks
- Enabling renewable growth
- Protecting grid reliability
For consultants, utilities, and policymakers, the message is clear: deploying battery storage is cheaper than enduring the cost of inaction.
Are you working on battery deployment strategies, training for the team or infrastructure planning? Let’s connect. I’m passionate about building inclusive, resilient energy systems—and I’d love to help shape what comes next.
