Local News IBEW Local 24 Stands in Support of Battery Energy Storage July 31, 2026

Today, IBEW Local 24 joined industry leaders, elected officials, and labor partners at a press conference to voice our support for the responsible development of battery energy storage systems (BESS) throughout Maryland.

As our electrical grid continues to evolve, battery energy storage is becoming an essential part of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. These systems store electricity when it is abundant and release it when demand is highest, helping balance the grid, improve reliability, and make better use of energy generated from sources like solar and wind. They also provide backup power during emergencies and help reduce strain on the electrical system during peak demand.

For IBEW Local 24 members, battery storage represents work in the construction, installation, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of these facilities.  Thanks to legislation passed over the last two years, these projects will be built under high labor standards, registered apprenticeship requirements, and prevailing wage compliance. As more battery storage facilities are developed across our region, they will create quality careers, strengthen our workforce, and provide long-term employment opportunities for our members.

Battery storage also helps strengthen the electric grid by:

-Improving grid reliability and resilience during outages and severe weather.

-Lowering overall electricity system costs by storing lower-cost energy for use during peak demand.

-Supporting the continued growth of renewable energy while maintaining a stable electrical system.

-Reducing congestion on the transmission system and improving overall grid efficiency.

Local 24 continues to make safety a top priority. Modern battery energy storage systems are built with multiple layers of protection with sophisticated battery management systems, continuous monitoring, fire detection and suppression equipment, emergency response planning, and compliance with rigorous national electrical and fire safety standards. These facilities are built to meet strict safety codes and emergency planning standards to operate safely and support surrounding communities.

Recent industry data further demonstrates how far the technology has come. While battery storage deployment has accelerated dramatically worldwide, the rate of failures per gigawatt-hour deployed has continued to decline, reflecting significant advancements in system design, monitoring, and safety practices.

Figure: Global battery energy storage deployment has increased dramatically while failure incidents per deployed gigawatt-hour have continued to decline. Source: EPRI Failure Incident Database and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (Q1 2026).

IBEW Local 24 remains committed to supporting technologies that create good union jobs, strengthen our electrical infrastructure, and provide reliable, affordable power for the communities we serve. We stand behind the responsible expansion of battery energy storage and look forward to helping build the future of Maryland's energy system.

Additional Resource-Battery Energy Storage Safety FAQ

https://cleanpower.org/resources/battery-energy-storage-safety-faqs/

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