Portal Way
Reliability Project
Building a More Reliable,
Resilient Whatcom County
The Portal Way Energy Reliability Project is a proposed solution for adding enhanced reliability to the regional electric grid using a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The project will be located between Vista Drive and Portal Way near Interstate 5 in Whatcom County.
What is a Battery Energy Storage System?
Battery energy storage systems are one of the solutions utilities like Puget Sound Energy can use to meet increasing electricity demand and provide a more reliable and clean energy supply to its customers.
BESS is designed to store excess energy from the grid – including energy generated by renewable sources like wind and solar - and deliver that power back to homes and businesses when demand for electricity is high or renewable generation is lower. Batteries can be used to support the electrical grid during extreme weather events and other disruptions in addition to enhancing daily reliability.
Why Here?
As Whatcom County’s energy needs grow, so does the demand for electricity. Especially during cold snaps, heat waves, and peak evening hours. At the same time, more of our power is coming from renewable sources like wind and solar, which don’t produce energy around the clock.
Battery energy storage helps bridge that gap. By storing electricity when it’s abundant and delivering it when demand is highest, storage strengthens reliability, reduces strain on the grid, and helps prevent outages, especially during extreme weather or high-use periods.
The Portal Way Energy Reliability Project is designed to provide regional support. By adding storage capacity near existing electrical infrastructure, the project can respond quickly to energy demands while minimizing the need for new transmission lines or expanded corridors.
The Future of Energy Infrastructure
Large-scale battery storage installed is expected to grow tenfold from 1 GW in 2019 to 98 GW in 2030. Source: Wood Mackenzie’s energy storage deployment forecast
Portal Way Location
The proposed project is located on private property, near Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) existing electrical substation and transmission lines, eliminating the need for costly long-distance power lines and additional transmission corridors that can impact ratepayers.
This location allows the project to connect efficiently to the existing grid while limiting new infrastructure, and helping to reduce cost, land impacts, and disruption to the surrounding area.
The project will incorporate vegetative screening around the project area, working with local stakeholders on wetland and waterbody protection. Improving an existing access road through widening, surface improvements, and upgraded stream crossings that are expected to enhance road reliability. This will reduce washouts during heavy rainfall, and improve fish passage with updated culverts.
Battery energy storage is a part of the next generation of grid infrastructure, improving reliability while maintaining a small footprint. This project helps ensure reliable power while supporting the region’s transition to more renewable energy.
Project Timeline
We are in the early phase of project development.
The process will include environmental review and regulatory permitting with Whatcom County before construction begins. Specific timelines will be shared as the project advances, and we will provide regular updates to keep the community informed. We are committed to transparency and ongoing conversation with the community as the project progresses. Schedule is subject to change.
Project Siting 2024-2025
County Permitting 2026-2027
Coordination with PSE 2027-2028
Construction 2029-2030
Operation 2030-2055
Committed to Safety & Partnership
From technology selection and design standards to emergency preparedness, GridStor is committed to the safety of our communities, employees, contractors, partners and neighbors.
We design our projects to meet or exceed all applicable federal, state, and local codes, including fire, building, and electrical requirements. Our projects are developed in coordination with local and regional first responders. Safety informs every decision.
Our projects also deliver local benefits by creating construction jobs and contributing to the tax base, supporting infrastructure, schools, and emergency services. Being a responsible community partner is a central priority for our team. GridStor works to avoid or minimize environmental and social impacts. Where impacts cannot be fully avoided, we implement mitigation and enhancement measures to improve environmental conditions and community outcomes.
GridStor BESS Installation — Goleta, California
About Gridstor
GridStor is a Portland, Oregon-based company that builds and operates energy infrastructure projects to support the electric grid and meet growing regional needs.
We develop and operate energy storage projects that strengthen the electric grid and support the transition to cleaner energy. Our approach is grounded in doing the right thing: prioritizing safety, transparency, and long-term partnership with the communities where we work.
