As the demand for energy resilience and cost optimization grows, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming a cornerstone of the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) energy landscape. But while the technology is promising, the path to a successful BESS deployment is anything but straightforward.
From navigating complex permitting processes to managing utility interconnections and stakeholder expectations, developers face a host of challenges that can stall or derail even the most promising projects. Let’s break down the key hurdles, and how EPC Energy can help you overcome them.
The Permitting Puzzle: AHJ Rules & Requirements
One of the earliest and most persistent challenges in BESS development is securing permits from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
- Every AHJ is different: Fire codes, zoning restrictions, and building requirements vary widely across cities and counties.
- Documentation overload: Developers must provide detailed site plans, electrical diagrams, fire safety protocols, and more, often with little guidance.
- Changing standards: As BESS technology evolves, so do the codes. Staying current is critical but time-consuming.
How we help: EPC Energy’s design review services ensure your project is permit-ready. We know what AHJs are looking for and help you avoid costly delays by aligning your documentation with local requirements from the start.
Utility Interconnection: A Game of Patience and Precision
Interconnecting a BESS to the grid is another major hurdle, and each utility has its own process, timelines, and technical standards.
- Varying timelines: Some utilities move quickly; others take months just to review applications.
- Technical requirements: From protection schemes to telemetry, utilities often require custom configurations.
- Communication gaps: Developers frequently face unclear feedback or shifting expectations.
How we help: EPC Energy brings deep industry experience to the table, helping you navigate utility inspections and interconnection requirements with confidence. Our team has worked with utilities across the country and knows how to keep your project moving.
Stakeholder Management: Keeping Support Alive From Concept to Commissioning
C&I BESS projects can take months, or even years, from concept to commissioning. Maintaining stakeholder enthusiasm and support throughout that journey is no small feat.
- Internal buy-in: Facility managers, finance teams, and executives all have different priorities.
- External partners: Contractors, engineers, and inspectors must stay aligned across changing timelines.
- ROI pressure: Stakeholders want to see clear financial benefits, even before the system is operational.
How we help: EPC Energy provides precise BESS sizing tailored to your facility’s load profile and energy goals, helping you maximize ROI and justify the investment. Our team also supports stakeholder communications with clear, data-driven insights that build trust and momentum.
EPC Energy: Your Partner in BESS Success
Developing a BESS project in the C&I space is a complex endeavor, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re just starting out or stuck in the permitting or interconnection phase, EPC Energy is here to help with…
- Design review services to streamline AHJ approvals
- Accurate BESS sizing to optimize performance and ROI
- Inspection support to smooth interactions with AHJs and utilities
- Fully integrated BESS product lines that comply with all relevant permitting and interconnection codes with proper documentation.
- And more! Our team of industry experts has decades of combined experience to lend to your BESS project needs.
Let’s turn your energy goals into reality, efficiently, compliantly, and profitably.