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Cabokenze Energy Storage Seeks Exempt Wholesale Generator Status

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cabokenze Energy Storage, LLC has submitted a notice to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to self-certify as an exempt wholesale generator (EWG) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005. The company plans to operate a 76 MW battery energy storage facility in Burke County, Georgia, which will sell power on a firm basis through a 25-year agreement with Georgia Power Company.

Cabokenze Energy Storage is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESI Energy, LLC, which is itself a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. As a result, Vanguard, a large investment company, holds a 10.78% stake in NextEra Energy, Inc., making it an Ultimate Upstream Affiliate of NextEra under FERC's regulations. The company has received blanket authorization from FERC to acquire securities of publicly traded U.S. utilities, with certain restrictions.

The facility is expected to commence commercial operation in the fall of 2027 and will interconnect to the Southern Company transmission system. Cabokenze Energy Storage will not own or control transmission facilities or interconnection facilities other than those necessary to connect the facility to the transmission system. The company plans to engage in permitted EWG activities, including leasing property, trading emission allowances, and selling byproducts of electric energy generation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cabokenze Energy Storage seeks to self-certify as an exempt wholesale generator under FERC's regulations.
  • The company plans to operate a 76 MW battery energy storage facility in Burke County, Georgia.
  • The facility will sell power on a firm basis through a 25-year agreement with Georgia Power Company.
  • Cabokenze Energy Storage is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESI Energy, LLC, which is itself a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC.
  • Vanguard holds a 10.78% stake in NextEra Energy, Inc., making it an Ultimate Upstream Affiliate of NextEra under FERC's regulations.
  • The company has received blanket authorization from FERC to acquire securities of publicly traded U.S. utilities, with certain restrictions.
  • The facility is expected to commence commercial operation in the fall of 2027.
  • Cabokenze Energy Storage will not own or control transmission facilities or interconnection facilities other than those necessary to connect the facility to the transmission system.
  • The company plans to engage in permitted EWG activities, including leasing property, trading emission allowances, and selling byproducts of electric energy generation.

Statistics:

  • 76 MW: the planned capacity of the battery energy storage facility.
  • 25 years: the term of the agreement with Georgia Power Company.
  • 10.78%: the percentage stake held by Vanguard in NextEra Energy, Inc.
  • 2027: the expected year of commercial operation for the facility.
  • 2025: the year in which Cabokenze Energy Storage submitted its notice to FERC.

Sources:

  • Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's regulations, 18 C.F.R. § 366.1
  • The Vanguard Group, Inc., et al., Docket No. EC19-57-002, Quarterly Compliance Filing for Q2 of 2025 (Aug. 6, 2025)
  • Cabokenze Energy Storage, LLC, Application for Market-Based Rate Authority and Request for Associated Waivers and Blanket Authorizations, Docket No. ER25-3196-000 (filed August 15, 2025)
  • Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-58, §§ 1261-77, 119 Stat. 594, 972-78 (2005)

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