O’Connell Electric Company proudly served as the EPC contractor for the NYPA North Country Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a landmark project that underscores our commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. Located in Northern New York, this 20MW/20MWh lithium-ion battery facility was one of the largest of its kind in the nation at the time of its announcement in 2019. It plays a critical role in helping New York State meet its ambitious goal of deploying 3,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030—enough to power 40% of the state’s homes.
Our team delivered this project over a three-year period, logging more than 35,000 man-hours with zero safety incidents. The facility is designed to absorb excess generation and discharge it during peak demand, enhancing grid reliability and supporting renewable energy integration.
Notable innovations included the design and installation of a 40,000-gallon underground water storage tank for fire suppression, secondary containment systems for firewater runoff, and a fully pre-assembled 600A main distribution panel. The project also required complex integration with a 115kV underground transmission line and compliance with the newly adopted 2020 NYS fire code—all executed in a remote, high-seismic zone through two challenging winters.
This project exemplifies O’Connell Electric’s ability to deliver high-performance energy solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and the communities they serve.