30th largest plant in Idaho · 3890th nationally
Black Mesa Bess is a battery storage power plant in Idaho with a nameplate capacity of 40.0 MW.
| Plant Name | Black Mesa Bess |
|---|---|
| Operator | Idaho Power Co |
| City | King Hill |
| County | Elmore County |
| State | Idaho |
| ZIP | 83633 |
| Coordinates | 42.90845, -115.18132 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Batteries | Battery | 40.0 MW | Operating | 2024 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Idaho Power Company |
Battery storage facilities don't generate electricity — they store it. They charge from the grid (often from solar during the day) and discharge during peak demand or to firm up renewables. EIA classifies them as power plants because they connect to the grid like one.