MISO Could Save $27B by 2035 with 11 GW Battery Storage

MISO could cut $27B in system costs by 2035 using 11 GW of battery storage, reducing wholesale power prices and reshaping energy strategy across the U.S.

MISO could cut a massive $27 billion in power system costs by 2035 just by adding 11 gigawatts of battery storage. For context, MISO runs the grid for more than 42 million people across 15 states, so this is a big deal for U.S. energy infrastructure. Beyond the savings, the analysis shows that smart battery storage could slow the rise of wholesale power prices bringing them down by $1.40 per megawatt-hour. That’s real relief for consumers and utility-scale providers. More than just a cost win, this move would boost grid resilience and help modernize one of the country’s most critical power systems. With energy volatility on the rise, grid-scale battery storage is looking like one of the smartest investments we can make.

MISO’s move toward battery storage is shaping up to be a smart, market-driven shift. Instead of waiting on lawmakers or mandates, this approach focuses on pure economic and accountability sense. Grid-scale battery storage helps cut peak demand, smooth out wind and solar fluctuations, and boost flexibility all without red tape slowing things down. And unlike the coasts where these projects are already common, MISO’s coverage across the Midwest and South could show how battery storage can thrive even in low-regulation areas. The report makes it clear: this isn’t just good for the planet; it’s a smart business move with strong battery storage ROI potential. It’s scalable, practical, and exactly what the U.S. energy infrastructure needs right now.

For U.S. decision-makers from utility execs to state regulators this isn’t just a report, it’s a call to action. Investing in grid-scale battery storage is no longer just about ESG it’s about bottom-line savings and future-proofing energy operations. Partnerships with battery tech firms, operational pilots, and updated interconnection policies should be top of mind. If MISO makes this move, it sets a precedent for how the U.S. can scale clean energy affordably. The takeaway? Battery storage isn’t a “nice-to-have” it’s now a cost-saving imperative.