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APS using batteries to help power community

Posted at 4:48 AM, Aug 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-14 11:51:44-04

An Arizona community will soon run on batteries -- at least, partially.

APS is planning to use two battery systems to supplement power for the 600 or so people in Punkin Center, Ariz., about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix. 

"We're going to be looking at this as a solution with projects going forward," said Scott Bordenkircher, Director of Technology Innovation & Integration for APS. "We've got about a 20-mile line out there that would need to be rebuilt due to growing load." 

Instead, the two, 4-megawatt hour batteries will charge during the day and hit the grid in the evening, when usage is at its peak.  

APS uses a similar battery system to store excess solar power in Buckeye.  

"We still need the wires and the lines -- they still supply the actual source -- but, we don't need as large of wires and lines," Bordenkircher said.  

APS is hoping to have the batteries up and running by early next year.