News Summary
Alabama Power is enhancing customer engagement by introducing three free online tools to manage energy consumption and utility bills effectively. As part of its support, the company is also planning to develop a utility-scale battery storage facility in Walker County, expected to be operational by 2027. The initiatives aim to improve energy efficiency and provide financial assistance to residents struggling with energy costs.
Birmingham, Alabama – Alabama Power Launches Energy Management Tools and Battery Storage Facility Plans
Alabama Power is on a mission to support its customers with the introduction of three free online tools designed to help manage energy usage and bills. The initiative comes amid the utility’s broader efforts to enhance customer engagement and energy efficiency, especially during the high-demand summer months.
The new tools include the Bill Explainer, Rate Advisor, and Energy Assistant. The Bill Explainer provides customers with a detailed breakdown of their electric bills, using straightforward language to clarify often confusing charges. The Rate Advisor offers personalized recommendations for selecting rate plans that align with individual household energy habits. Additionally, the Energy Assistant connects eligible customers to various offers and programs that can provide energy assistance. These tools can be accessed alongside energy-saving tips at AlabamaPower.com/Summer.
In addition to these online tools, Alabama Power will allocate $250,000 in emergency assistance to residents facing difficulties in paying their utility bills due to the impacts of winter weather earlier this year. The financial aid will be provided through the Alabama Business Charitable Trust to support households struggling with payments for natural gas, electric, kerosene, wood, and propane costs. Eligibility for assistance extends to applicants with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. Specific counties eligible for this support will be announced, and residents are encouraged to reach out to local Community Action Agencies for information on how to apply.
Upcoming Utility-Scale Battery Storage Facility
Beyond immediate assistance for customers, Alabama Power has plans to construct a utility-scale battery energy storage facility at the former Plant Gorgas site located in Walker County. This facility, referred to as the Gorgas Battery Facility, will have a storage capacity of up to 150 megawatts, sufficient to provide power for approximately 9,000 homes.
Construction of the facility is scheduled to commence in 2025 and is expected to be completed by 2027. The battery storage system will connect directly to the electric grid, allowing it to charge from the grid and discharge stored energy when demand and costs are higher. This innovative use of lithium-ion phosphate batteries will enable quick charging over a duration of approximately two hours.
The introduction of the Gorgas Battery Facility represents a significant step toward better energy management for Alabama Power and its customers. By storing electricity when demand and rates are lower, the facility aims to help manage energy costs within the community. Moreover, the project positions Alabama Power to explore battery systems that could enhance the reliability of the power supply while integrating more clean energy resources, such as solar power.
Background on Plant Gorgas
Plant Gorgas has been an essential contributor to Alabama’s energy landscape since its establishment in 1917. The decision to repurpose the site for a battery storage facility is part of Alabama Power’s ongoing commitment to sustainable solutions and modern energy management practices within the community. This new development signifies the company’s proactive approach to accommodating future energy demands while supporting the transition toward more environmentally friendly energy sources.
Through these initiatives, Alabama Power aims to empower its customers, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure reliable service as it prepares for the energy needs of tomorrow.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40
- Wikipedia: Electric power industry in the United States
- PR Newswire
- Google Search: Alabama Power utility scale battery storage
- Bham Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Battery
- Utility Dive
- Google News: Alabama Power service initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
