From American Clean Power Association: https://www.energystorage.org/resources/energy-storage-is-key-to-grid-reliability-and-energy-cost-savings-in-the-midwest-and-central-united-states
In July 2025, the American Clean Power Association released a landmark analysis conducted by Aurora Energy Research titled “Energy Storage is Key to Grid Reliability and Energy Cost Savings in the Midwest and Central United States.”The study lays out a clear path toward a more reliable and cost-efficient electric grid across the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region, which covers much of the Midwest and Central United States—a rapidly growing demand zone facing increasing strain on its infrastructure.
The analysis found that deploying over 10 gigawatts of battery energy storage systems (BESS) between 2025 and 2035 could deliver more than $25 billion in energy cost savings while significantly improving grid reliability for millions of customers.
As renewable energy sources like wind and solar become a larger share of the region’s energy mix, their intermittent nature makes flexible resources essential. Batteries provide that flexibility—charging when energy is abundant and inexpensive, then discharging during peak demand periods to smooth out fluctuations. This capability not only stabilizes the grid but also allows traditional thermal power plants to operate more efficiently.
Without energy storage, the report projects that peak electricity prices during evening hours could rise by up to $159 per megawatt-hour by 2035—nearly triple the price compared to a future with significant battery deployment. That kind of price volatility threatens both reliability and affordability for consumers.
The MISO region’s project pipeline shows how much potential there is to meet this challenge. In 2024 alone, over 25 gigawatts of battery storage projects entered the interconnection queue. These projects can be built quickly, create thousands of jobs, and generate significant customer savings while strengthening the grid.
To achieve these benefits, the study calls for reforms to market rules so they recognize and reward the unique value of energy storage. It also urges streamlined interconnection and permitting processes to prevent delays for ready-to-build projects, along with bold state-level targets that commit the region to building the infrastructure needed for long-term reliability.
At Power Alliance, we see this report as a clear call to action. Energy storage is not just a technical upgrade to our power system—it’s a strategic investment in economic stability, environmental resilience, and energy independence for the Midwest and Central United States.
Key takeaways:
- 10 GW of batteries in MISO could deliver billions of savings in energy costs
- By 2035 energy storage could cut evening energy price spikes by more than 60%
- Deploying 10+ GW of energy storage over the next decade is critical to reliability
- More than 25 GW of batteries entered the MISO interconnection queue in 2024