The Hidden Risk in Your Battery Storage System: Why cable cleats belong in every BESS specification

GRID Alternatives, the country’s largest nonprofit that makes renewable energy technologies like solar power, battery storage, EV charging, and EVs accessible to underserved communities, released a comprehensive Utility Brief and Utility Playbook. Developed in partnership with the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a national nonprofit with nearly 1,000 members spanning the full energy ecosystem, including utilities of every business model, these resources are designed specifically for decision-makers and planners within the utility ecosystem and those interested in promoting affordable charging programs.

As the transportation sector electrifies, a structural divide is emerging between customers. While homeowners benefit from regulated residential prices, tens of millions of renters and multifamily housing residents experience fragmented, volatile EV charging prices. This is a "renter’s penalty", where charging at a public DC fast charging station costs up to 6 times more than charging at a single-family home. The Utility Brief explains the “renter’s penalty” in more detail and the Utility Playbook outlines solutions utilities can take to lessen the affordability gap.

“Relying on public charging shouldn’t mean paying a premium to drive electric,” said Zach Franklin, Strategic Impact Officer at GRID Alternatives. “Right now, the ‘renter’s penalty’ locks millions of multifamily residents and low-income families out of the full economic benefits of the EV transition. This playbook gives utilities a practical roadmap to bridge that gap and ensure that clean transportation is a shared reality rather than a housing-dependent luxury.”

“Harnessing SEPA’s deep utility-driven insights, this playbook delivers the real-world frameworks needed to build and scale more affordable charging programs,” said Ashley Lynn Qua, SEPA’s Senior Manager of Transportation Electrification. “Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, these diverse models show how energy affordability can dynamically follow the driver wherever they plug in.”

To alleviate the “renter’s penalty,” GRID Alternatives worked with several utilities and electricity providers to design, implement, and evaluate EV charging projects for low-income EV drivers, including renters, multifamily affordable housing communities, and low-income homeowners. Drawing on knowledge from this programmatic work and insights from the Community of Practice, GRID Alternatives and SEPA developed the Utility Playbook to guide utilities through the recommended steps to develop an affordable public charging program for low-income renters and multifamily housing residents. Additionally, several pilot projects are discussed, demonstrating the various implementation models possible.

As entities that already manage income-qualified discount frameworks, utilities are uniquely positioned to administer these affordability extensions at public or shared multifamily chargers. By designing programs tailored to low-income residents, utilities can ensure that financial relief moves dynamically with the driver.

A well-designed program can minimize the ‘renter’s penalty,’ providing a consistent, predictable fueling cost for every driver across the service territory. This strategic shift transforms the utility into a leader in economic resilience, providing the predictable fueling costs necessary for all customers to successfully transition to a clean energy future. By modernizing discount programs to reach every port, utilities ensure that the benefits of clean transportation are a shared reality rather than a housing-dependent luxury.

GRID Alternatives was able to produce these resources thanks in part to generous philanthropic support from General Motors and others. The Utility Brief and Playbook are available publicly for download. For utilities and electricity providers interested in diving deeper, free technical assistance is available through GRID Alternatives.

GRID Alternatives | https://gridalternatives.org/

Smart Electric Power Alliance | sepapower.org

Avaada Group, one of India's leading integrated energy transition companies, announced that it has achieved financing closure aggregating approximately USD 1.3 billion for a 2,150 MW renewable energy portfolio.

The financing has been sanctioned by leading Indian financial institutions, including State Bank of India, REC Limited and Canara Bank, across four Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). The portfolio comprises 1.35 GW of hybrid renewable energy projects and 800 MW of utility-scale solar projects being developed for leading state distribution companies, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL).

Collectively, these projects involve the development of more than 3,000 MW of solar capacity and 450 MW of wind capacity across multiple locations in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The scale of financing and participation from India's leading financial institutions underscores strong confidence in Avaada's governance, disciplined project execution, robust asset quality and long-term growth strategy, while reaffirming the increasing appetite of lenders for well-structured renewable energy projects backed by creditworthy state utilities.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group, said: “The financing closure of over USD 1.3 billion for this strategically important renewable energy portfolio represent a significant milestone for Avaada Group. The confidence reposed in us by State Bank of India, REC Limited, Canara Bank and our lending partners is a strong endorsement of our governance standards, disciplined execution capabilities and long-term vision of accelerating India's energy transition.

India's clean energy journey now demands not only rapid capacity addition but also reliable, dispatchable and cost-competitive renewable power that strengthens energy security while supporting economic growth. Our hybrid projects have been designed to deliver greater reliability and grid stability, while our solar projects will provide affordable clean electricity to Maharashtra and Gujarat under long-term power purchase agreements.

As we continue to scale, our focus remains unwavering—to deploy capital responsibly, commission these projects on schedule, create long-term value for all stakeholders and contribute meaningfully towards India's ambition of becoming a global clean energy leader.”

The 1,350 MW hybrid portfolio integrates complementary solar and wind resources to enhance power availability and improve supply reliability for MSEDCL. The 800 MW solar portfolio will deliver competitively priced renewable electricity under long-term power purchase agreements with GUVNL and MSEDCL, supporting the growing clean energy demand of both states.

Upon commissioning, the projects are expected to make a significant contribution towards India's renewable energy targets by delivering clean electricity at scale, strengthening grid resilience, reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based generation and avoiding substantial carbon emissions over their operational lifetime.

This financing milestone further reinforces Avaada Group's strategy of building a high-quality renewable energy portfolio supported by long-term contracted revenues, prudent capital allocation and disciplined execution, while strengthening its position as one of India's leading clean energy developers.

Avaada Group | https://www.avaada.com/

DNV, the independent assurance and risk management provider, has appointed Joshua Clover as Country Manager, Americas – Industrial Services to drive continued expansion across North America as demand rises for quality assurance and inspection services.

Joshua, who will oversee the activities of Industrial Services at DNV in the United States and support the development of the company’s growth ambitions across the wider Americas region, has more than 13 years’ experience with DNV having joined its Energy Systems business unit in 2013. 

Most recently, Joshua served as Business Development and Market Segment Growth Leader at DNV, where he focused on driving business growth, strengthening executive client relationships, supporting operational excellence and delivering sustainable financial performance. This experience makes him well positioned to lead the business unit’s growth across the Americas.

In this new role, Joshua, who will be based in Houston, Texas, will focus on supporting further growth in priority sectors for DNV in the region, including LNG and renewables, aligning with the company's strategic expansion across low-carbon inspection and industrial infrastructure.

Commenting on his appointment, Joshua Clover said: "Having spent many years with DNV, it is an honor to transition into this new role within its Industrial Services business unit. Industrial assets are becoming larger and more complex, and demand is rising in the United States for quality assurance and inspection services across energy, infrastructure and complex industrial supply chains.

"As Country Manager, my focus will be on expanding Industrial Services' presence across North America and ensuring our customers are supported with technical assurance across the energy and industrial sectors. DNV has long held a commitment to operational excellence, safety, compliance and delivery quality, and I now look forward to supporting our clients, partners and stakeholders across the region to work through challenges and achieve their business goals."

Joshua's appointment also forms part of DNV's ongoing investment in its Industrial Services business unit, which launched earlier this year. The unit was introduced to reflect growing demand from customers managing increasingly complex energy transition projects, expanding infrastructure investment and more stringent quality and compliance requirements around the world.

As Industrial Services, DNV’s inspection business has evolved into a dedicated global provider of quality assurance and inspection services for energy, infrastructure and complex industrial supply chains. The unit’s experts now support customers in a broader industrial focus, spanning traditional energy, renewables, transitional fuels including LNG, new power transmission, hydrogen, carbon capture, rail and industrial manufacturing.

Mohamed Houari, CEO of Industrial Services at DNV, said: “North America is a strategically important market for Industrial Services at DNV and Joshua is set to play a leading role in our continued growth initiatives as we build on our long-term investment in the region, supporting customers 

"I am confident that his leadership, energy and commitment to our values will help us strengthen our presence across the region and enhance operational performance. Our customers need trusted industrial partners that combine technical expertise with global reach and local presence, and Joshua’s experience across the wider DNV business will be indispensable in ensuring continuity for our key customers as we grow.”

DNV | https://www.dnv.com/

Origis Energy, one of America’s leading renewable energy platforms, announced the successful start of commercial operations of three additional phases of its Rockhound Solar complex in Ector County, Texas—bringing the total operating capacity at the site to nearly 1 GWdc. The newly completed phases, representing roughly 500 MWdc of solar capacity, mark a major milestone in the buildout of one of the largest renewable energy infrastructure complexes in the country. 

Upon full completion, the Rockhound complex is expected to exceed 2 GW of solar and storage capacity by 2029, positioning it as a cornerstone energy hub serving long-term industry demand.

The Rockhound complex, which includes the previously announced and operational Swift Air Solar facilities, is purpose-built to meet the needs of leading global companies, demonstrated by long-term contracts with Meta, Occidental, dsm-firmenich, and Bekaert.

“This milestone underscores Origis Energy’s ability to consistently execute at scale,” said Vikas Anand, CEO. “Reaching nearly 1 GW of operating capacity in Ector County, Texas demonstrates the strength of our platform, the depth of customer demand, and our ability to deliver complex, multi-phase infrastructure projects with safety, quality, speed and certainty.”

The next phase of the Rockhound complex —representing approximately 1 GW of additional solar and storage capacity—is currently being marketed for data center co-location opportunities and long-term corporate offtake structures, reflecting continued demand from energy-intensive customers seeking reliable, scalable power solutions.

Beyond its commercial significance, the Rockhound complex contributes to grid reliability and material economic development in West Texas, while advancing Origis Energy’s strategy of developing integrated, multi-phase energy complexes designed to meet long-term customer demand.

Origis Energy | www.origisenergy.com

Cementex, the safety tool specialists, highlights its Battery Openers and Battery Seal Breaker, designed to provide a safer and more efficient solution for the hybrid / electric vehicle and battery / stored energy industries. Engineered with Cementex’s trusted double insulation technology, these specialized tools ensure safety and precision for professionals working with high-voltage battery systems.

Cementex Battery Lid Poppers offer a controlled and secure method for opening battery lids, minimizing the risk of damage to components while providing access for necessary testing and servicing. Available in multiple blade sizes, these tools cater to a variety of battery configurations, ensuring a precise and reliable solution for maintenance tasks. The Valve Shroud Remover, especially compatible for use with Deka Unigy batteries, provides an efficient solution for removing valve shrouds without damaging the battery components.

The Cementex EV Battery Seal Breaker is specifically designed to safely break the seals on electric vehicle batteries. Featuring a radiused, serrated blade to ease cutting resistance, this tool provides a controlled method for accessing battery compartments. The pull cable style ensures ease of use, and the included three interchangeable blades allow for extended service life. Replacement blades are also available for continued efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Manufactured in the U.S.A. with both U.S. and globally sourced materials, Cementex double-insulated tools are tested to 10,000 volts and rated for live use up to 1,000 VAC / 1500 VDC. These tools comply with IEC 60900 and ASTM F1505 standards, helping professionals meet OSHA safety-related work practices, the NFPA 70E standard, and CSA-Z462 requirements.

Cementex | https://www.cementexusa.com

Nextpower (Nasdaq: NXT), a leading provider of clean power technology solutions, announced the completion of its previously announced acquisition of complementary assets of Zigor Corporation’s power conversion business and its U.S.-based subsidiary, Apex Power. This acquisition expands Nextpower’s power technology platform, including UL-certified central inverters for utility-scale solar and energy storage projects in the United States and IEC certified products for Europe and rest of world. The acquisition adds proprietary inverter technology, established supply chain capabilities, and global engineering talent in the U.S. and Spain with hundreds of years of combined power conversion experience. 

“Reliable power conversion is fundamental to modern energy infrastructure, and customers are looking for solutions designed for long-term reliability and serviceability at utility scale,” said Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextpower. “We are excited to welcome this highly experienced team of experts and market-ready technology engineered for superior reliability and availability, core attributes in keeping with Nextpower’s proven track record of successful project execution and long-term performance optimization.”

Unlike conventional inverter architectures that often require specialized tools or factory repairs, Nextpower's modular platform was designed around field serviceability, helping owners restore systems more quickly and maximize uptime long-term. Nextpower’s utility-scale central inverters are now commercially available in the U.S. market with full UL certification.

“UL certification is an important step to bringing our power conversion solutions to customers in the U.S. at scale,” said Jacob Marshall, vice president and general manager, power conversion, Nextpower. “We designed our central inverter platform around the needs of utility-scale owners and EPCs with a modular architecture that simplifies maintenance, reduces downtime, and supports long-term performance. Field replaceable power modules using standard components and tools gives owners more flexibility and control over maintenance and repair throughout the life of the system.”

The Nextpower power conversion product portfolio offers central inverter solutions and modular configurations up to 5.2 MVA designed for utility-scale solar and energy storage applications, with communication exclusively via a hard-wired, cyber-secure site-level optical fiber network. The Company is accelerating its U.S. manufacturing buildout across multiple locations, with deliveries ramping in early 2027 and over 10 GW of capacity expected to be online within twelve months.

Nextpower | nextpower.com/products/power-conversion 

Consolidated Asset Management Services (CAMS), a fully-integrated service provider for energy infrastructure asset owners, announced that it was awarded a contract to provide comprehensive asset management services to the 1 GWh Scatter Wash battery energy storage system (BESS) project. Located in Maricopa County, Arizona, Scatter Wash is contracted under a 20-year tolling agreement. The project reached commercial operation in 2025.

The CAMS scope for the project encompasses a comprehensive suite of asset management services including operations oversight and optimization, accounting and finance and contractual management of this ambitious project.

“CAMS is thrilled to support the Scatter Wash project which will play a critical part in strengthening the grid’s flexibility and resiliency,” said Brian Ivany, Executive Vice President of CAMS Energy Transition Services (ETS). “We look forward to ensuring the BESS asset performs in the most optimal manner possible from a technical, safety and commercial perspective.”

The project is part of CIP’s (Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners) portfolio through its flagship fund, CI V.

CAMS offers a comprehensive range of asset management and operations & maintenance (O&M) services across all elements of a BESS project. CAMS flexible scope delineation packages ensure the BESS project owners' needs are met based on their specific requirements.

CAMS | www.camstex.com