Battery Energy Storage System Regulations

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are an innovative and growing option for resource management and optimization. However, in order to maintain the safety and security of both the grid and the areas surrounding BESS it is of the utmost importance to stay up to date with changes in BESS regulations so they can be properly adhered to.
To help our members keep up with the latest and best thinking in asset management, IEEE Power & Energy Society has created a number of resources on the subject. This email is intended to highlight a few of those resources and includes links to valuable content from:
To help our members keep up with the latest and best thinking, IEEE Power & Energy Society has created a number of resources on the subject of natural disaster mitigation. This page highlights a few of those resources and includes links to valuable recaps of a few notable best practices contributions.
PES Resources and Content
Energy Storage Primer White Paper
PDF White Paper: April 2020
Lead Author: V. Rabl
Energy storage is a flexible resource for grid operators that can deliver a range of grid services quickly and efficiently. Because of this, it continues to emerge as one of the “non-conventional alternatives” to optimizing the grid in spite of its current limitations.
The purpose of this Primer is to provide a fundamental understanding of the roles of energy storage in the electric grid and explain why it is more complex than simply inserting a battery into a phone, requiring careful engineering design expertise.
Evolution of Codes Covering Stationary Batteries (including for Energy Storage [BESS])
NYC 7x24 chapter Presentation: Oct 2019
Authors: C. Ashton, J. Betz, B. Cole, J. Taylor, C. Wirtz
The proliferation of mostly Li-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) and the incidence of fires in such BESS around the world has driven large changes in the battery sections of the Fire Codes in North America and elsewhere, including a brand new Code (NFPA 855).
This presentation attempts to shortly summarize those changes as of October 2019 so that those dealing with stationary batteries, especially in North America, can start to get an idea of how to properly design their systems to meet these changing Code requirements.
U.S. Policy Trends Affecting Energy Storage - Presentation Slides & Video
Online Webinar: March 2020
Author: W. McNamara
Energy storage policy is the focus of this presentation. The following topics are covered in this presentation:
- Historical context of utility-industry policy making
- Overview of federal versus state responsibilities
- Federal activity to date
- The key energy storage policy issues at the state level
- State activities to date
- Considerations for state regulators
The full recording of this presentation is also available to watch for members right now through the PES Resource center.
Relevant Technical Committees
Many PES technical and coordinating committees are engaged in work relating to asset management for resiliency and reliability. The following have active programs addressing the subject:
- Power System Communications & Cybersecurity (PSCC)
- Power System Dynamic Performance (PSDP)
- Power System Operations, Planning & Economics (PSOPE)
- Renewable Systems Integration Coordinating Committee (RSICC)
- Transformers Committee
Reach out to the individual committees for additional details on their work regarding asset management and information on how you might get involved.
See all IEEE PES Technical Committees
Upcoming Events
- Technically Co-sponsored Fri. 23 Apr, 2021 - Sun. 25 Apr, 2021 2021 4th International Conference on Energy, Electrical and Power Engineering (CEEPE)
- Technical Committees Mon. 26 Apr, 2021 - Thu. 29 Apr, 2021 2021 IEEE PES Transformers Committee Web-Meeting - Spring Meeting
- Technical Committees Mon. 3 May, 2021 - Fri. 7 May, 2021 2021 IEEE PES Surge Protective Devices Committee (SPDC) - Spring Web-Meeting
- Co-sponsored Sun. 16 May, 2021 - Tue. 18 May, 2021 2021 IEEE International Electric Machines & Drives (IEMDC)