Deploying 10 GW of battery storage—enough to power around 8 million homes during peak demand—in the U.S. Midwest and Central grid (MISO) could deliver approximately $25 billion in energy cost savings for American consumers over the next 20 years.

The report projects that a 500% increase in battery storage capacity by 2035 is essential to sustain grid reliability in the MISO region, which serves about 45 million customers. This jump in storage is needed to keep pace with rising electricity demand and mitigate growing strain on the power infrastructure.

As electricity demand climbs, MISO anticipates it will intensify pressure on generation and transmission systems. Battery storage provides a powerful solution by storing excess energy and releasing it during peak periods, thereby complementing renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation.

Noah Roberts, Vice President of Energy Storage at the American Clean Power Association, said that “with energy demand on the rise, battery storage is one of the fastest and most effective ways to improve reliability and lower electricity bills. Grid-scale batteries unlock massive savings for families and businesses, while ensuring the power system delivers energy when it’s most needed. With more than $25 billion in potential energy-cost savings, this is a generational opportunity for the Midwest to build a more reliable and affordable energy future.”

If MISO and state policymakers embrace this potential: they could roll out 10+ GW of battery storage over the coming decade in a cost-effective, timely manner, addressing growing demand and grid reliability needs.

The states in the MISO region could realize about $4.5 billion in energy-cost savings within 10 years, and over $25 billion across 20 years.

Energy storage could cut nighttime energy price spikes by more than 60% between now and 2035.

Last summer, MISO experienced capacity price surges exceeding 2,000%. Without energy storage deployment, the report suggests that peak electricity prices for consumers will continue climbing. Battery storage not only delivers critical dispatch during system stress, but also enables thermal generators to operate more efficiently as baseload power.