Community Batteries: Safer Than Houses

When it comes to fire safety, community batteries are often subject to misplaced concern. But how do they really stack up against the places we live, learn, and receive care?

The chart below puts it into perspective. Data from Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. shows that:

• a hospital is 1,887 times more likely to experience a fire incident in a year than a community battery

• Schools? 252 times more likely.

• Even our homes are 19 times more likely to catch fire than a well-managed battery energy storage system.

This chart shows the likelihood each year of a fire occurring in different types of infrastructure, compared to a reputable community battery.

This comparison is based on global fire incident rates and the latest battery safety research.

It makes one thing clear: community batteries are not only a smart way to support our transition to renewable energy — they’re also among the safest pieces of infrastructure in our towns.

So next time you hear concerns about battery safety, remember: the numbers tell a different story.