Lawmakers Join Battery Developers in Fight With ConEd Over NYC's Grid

ConEd says New York's battery boom could overload the grid, but the industry and its allies are pushing back.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:52pm

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New York state is facing a crossroads for climate action as it struggles to meet ambitious renewable energy targets. The state's only statewide nonprofit news publication, nysfocus.com, has been scrutinizing the state's climate progress and the power dynamics behind the decisions that shape ordinary New Yorkers' lives. This article focuses on a battle between battery developers and utility company ConEd over the impact of New York's battery boom on the city's electrical grid.

Why it matters

New York passed one of the nation's most ambitious climate laws in 2019, but the state is lagging behind on its renewable energy targets. The outcome of this battle over battery storage and the grid could have significant implications for the state's ability to meet its climate goals and serve as a model for other states watching New York's progress.

The details

ConEd, New York's largest utility, claims that the rapid growth of battery storage projects in the city could overload the electrical grid, leading to potential blackouts and other reliability issues. However, battery developers and their allies in the state legislature are pushing back, arguing that battery storage is essential for integrating more renewable energy onto the grid and meeting the state's climate targets.

  • New York passed one of the nation's most ambitious climate laws in 2019.
  • The state is currently struggling to meet deadlines to build renewable energy and clean up its buildings and roads.

The players

ConEd

New York's largest utility company, which claims that the rapid growth of battery storage projects in the city could overload the electrical grid.

Battery developers

Companies building battery storage projects in New York, who are pushing back against ConEd's claims and arguing that battery storage is essential for integrating more renewable energy onto the grid.

New York state legislature

Lawmakers who have joined the fight alongside battery developers, supporting the industry's position that battery storage is crucial for meeting the state's climate targets.

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What’s next

The outcome of this battle over battery storage and the grid could have significant implications for New York's ability to meet its ambitious climate targets, with other states closely watching the state's progress.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex power dynamics and competing interests at play as New York tries to transition to a clean energy future. The state's ability to navigate these challenges and successfully implement its climate policies will be crucial not only for New Yorkers, but for other states looking to New York as a model for their own climate action.