VICTOR, MT – Ravalli Electric Cooperative (REC), in partnership with Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative (PNGC), is set to embark on an experimental project to enhance its energy reliability and resilience with a new battery storage system, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The grant funding, made possible by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supports clean energy projects in rural communities. The project is aimed at providing critical backup power during outages and helping mitigate and offset energy demand during peak times of use.
PNGC received $4.9 million for the project and plans include installing a battery energy storage system at REC’s Woodside Substation serving Victor and Pinesdale. This initiative directly aligns with the cooperative’s commitment to sustainability and supporting its local community. The total storage amount will be one megawatt, which is enough generation to power approximately 800 home for four hours.
“We are excited and thankful for the opportunity to work with the grant funds and PNGC to utilize and integrate this battery storage system,” said REC CEO & General Manager Mark Grotbo. “Having this battery system as a backup power option allows us to implement this new technology in the event of extended power outages, plus help offset the demand on our system during normal operations.”
“This grant makes a project like this even possible, and partnering with REC on a battery storage system is an incredible way to directly benefit their local community,” said Jessica Matlock, President and CEO of PNGC. “Promoting clean energy projects in rural communities is exactly what these grant funds are intended for and we’re happy to work with REC to put this grant to good use.”
This project represents a significant step towards building a more resilient and reliable energy grid for the benefit of REC members and the surrounding community.
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About Ravalli Electric Cooperative
Ravalli Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility located in Victor, Montana serving over 9,000 consumers in rural Montana.