BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
A smarter, smaller way to keep Michigan’s power reliable and affordable.
WHAT IS A BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM?
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are facilities that store electricity when demand is low and deliver it back to the grid when demand is high.
These systems help balance Michigan’s power supply, reduce the strain on transmission lines, make energy more reliable, and support affordable energy costs for families, farms, and small businesses across Colfax Township and beyond.
In a nutshell, energy storage lets us make better use of the power already produced.
HOW BESS WORKS
When electricity is plentiful, the system charges large-scale batteries on-site.
When energy demand peaks, on hot summer afternoons or cold winter mornings, that stored electricity is released back into the grid.
This quick, flexible response helps prevent outages, smooths fluctuations in supply, and reduces price spikes that can affect household bills.
GRID RELIABILITY
When power demand spikes, storage keeps electricity flowing.
By instantly discharging stored energy during high-use periods, battery facilities help stabilize voltage, reduce strain on transmission lines, and prevent brownouts or rolling outages. Energy storage gives grid operators the flexibility to respond in seconds, keeping homes, farms, and businesses powered when it matters most.
MORE AFFORDABLE ENERGY
Storage helps control energy costs for Michigan families.
Instead of producing more power when demand peaks, the most expensive time to generate electricity, stored energy can be released to fill the gap. This reduces costly peak pricing and helps utilities control rate increases. Over time, that means steadier, more affordable energy bills for everyone.
ENERGY INDEPENDANCE
A more self-reliant Michigan means fewer outside dependencies.
Battery storage allows Michigan to store energy locally, reducing reliance on imported power or distant generation sources. By balancing supply close to where it’s used, Michigan can maintain energy security and keep more of its power investment within the state.
WEATHER RESILIANCE
Keeping the lights on through Michigan’s toughest seasons.
From summer storms to winter cold snaps, extreme weather can cause grid instability or outages. Energy storage acts as a safety net, providing backup power and grid support when traditional sources are disrupted. It helps critical facilities, homes, and businesses stay connected during unpredictable conditions.
SMART, LOW-IMPACT INFRASTRUCTURE
Modern reliability with minimal community disruption.
Battery storage facilities operate quietly, use no water, and produce no emissions. With a small footprint and careful landscaping, they integrate smoothly into rural areas like Colfax Township while delivering measurable benefits to the state’s power system. It’s a smarter, cleaner way to strengthen Michigan’s energy future.
ECONOMIC STABILITY
Energy storage strengthens Michigan’s local economies as well as its grid.
Projects like the Big Mitten Energy Center create new construction jobs, generate long-term tax dollars for communities, and support local businesses that provide materials and services. Once operating, they offer decades of stable, tax-paying infrastructure without placing new demands on community resources.
why energy storage is important for michigan
America’s energy grid is changing fast. Demand is growing, weather patterns are more unpredictable, and much of the state’s infrastructure was built decades ago. Projects like the Big Mitten Energy Center help make the grid stronger, smarter, and more self-reliant.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Delivering Lasting Value to Colfax Township
The Big Mitten Energy Center takes a practical, community-first approach to modern energy infrastructure; one that keeps power reliable, strengthens local tax revenue, and preserves the rural landscape that defines Colfax Township.
Representing more than a $500 million investment, the project will generate millions in tax dollars each year, supporting local schools, emergency services, and road improvements across Colfax Township.
By improving grid reliability and reducing the risk of outages, Big Mitten Energy Center positions Colfax Township as a proactive partner in Michigan’s clean-energy future.
Construction will create over 200 short-term jobs and local service contracts, while long-term operations will provide steady revenue without adding strain to community utilities or infrastructure. It’s a project with a small footprint and a big purpose, keeping Michigan’s grid strong, flexible, and ready for the years ahead.
SAFETY AND OVERSIGHT
Engineered for Safety, Built for Accountability
Safety is built into every part of the Big Mitten Energy Center. The project will meet or exceed all relevant local, state, and national codes and standards, including:
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UL 9540 / UL 9540A – Testing and certification for energy storage systems
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NFPA 855 – Fire safety and installation standards
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UL 1973 / UL 1741SB – Battery and inverter safety performance
The site will be monitored 24/7 and equipped with secure access controls. Prior to operation, the project team will provide site tours, training, and emergency response materials to local fire and safety departments, ensuring all local responders are familiar with site design and protocols.
