Project Overview

Treebeard Storage is a battery energy storage system currently in the early stages of development by Flatiron Energy in New Milford, Connecticut. When completed, Treebeard Storage will store up to 560 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy and provide reliable electricity to local homes and businesses during peak demand. The facility is scheduled to commence operations in Q3 2028.

Power capacity — 140 MW

This is the system’s maximum power
output at any given time.

1 megawatt (MW) = 1,000,000 watts.

Real-world example:

140 MW of power would light up 1.4 million 100-watt light bulbs.

Energy capacity — 560 MWh

This is the maximum amount of energy
the system can store.

1 MW of power sustained for an hour = 1 MWh.

Real-world example:

560 MWh is enough energy to power around 28,000 Connecticut households for one month.

Project Renderings
Community Impact

Community Benefits

Treebeard Storage will deliver environmental, economic, and infrastructure benefits to the Town of New Milford and the wider Litchfield County region. During construction, the project is expected to generate over $1M in new local earnings, create approximately 43 local jobs, and contribute an estimated $ 40M+ in tax revenue over the Project's lifetime, while also establishing a Host Community Agreement with the Town of New Milford to ensure long-term community benefits.

Environmental impact

Battery storage is key to enhancing grid dependability. Treebeard Storage will store and distribute power generated by solar, wind, and other forms of energy, making it more accessible during times when it’s most needed.

Community resilience

Energy storage benefits local residents by improving the reliability of the power grid. Batteries provide safe, reliable energy to local residents, reducing the likelihood of blackouts and the need for more expensive forms of energy generation.

Why New Milford?

Supporting local reliability
and resilience

New Milford sits at a critical intersection of regional energy demand and growing climate pressures. The Treebeard Storage site is located adjacent to a key portion of Eversource’s transmission system, enabling efficient interconnection. As Connecticut experiences more frequent extreme weather events and increased strain on its electrical system, grid reliability and resilience have become essential to protecting residents, businesses, and municipal services. Strategic energy infrastructure investments in New Milford help ensure a stable, dependable power supply while supporting the state’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

Clean Energy Focus

This project will strengthen Connecticut’s electric grid by providing flexible capacity that supports renewable energy integration and reduces reliance on older, fossil fuel–based generation during peak demand. In addition to contributing to long-term emissions reductions, the project will deliver local benefits, including increased tax revenue, temporary construction jobs, and infrastructure investment.

By prioritizing safety, environmental stewardship, and community compatibility, the project reflects a forward-looking approach to meeting energy needs while supporting New Milford’s long-term economic and environmental goals.

Energy Storage Explained

Battery energy storage systems (BESS)

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) provide reliable energy by storing surplus electricity for use when demand increases. The result is cleaner air, reduced pollution, and more affordable energy. Battery storage is a critical component of Connecticut’s clean energy strategy. It supports the state’s goal of deploying 1,000 MW of energy storage by 2030 to meet emissions-reduction and grid-reliability targets.

1

Aligning energy demand with renewable supply

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind generate electricity intermittently, and energy demand often does not align with peak renewable production. Battery storage helps balance this mismatch by absorbing excess generation.

2

Saving energy for when it’s needed most

Batteries capture and store energy produced by renewables and other sources so it can be used later. Without storage, excess clean energy that is not immediately consumed would otherwise be lost.

3

Reliable energy when demand peaks

During periods of peak demand, batteries release stored energy back onto the grid, helping prevent blackouts and reduce grid instability. Battery systems also provide essential grid services throughout the day, improving overall system reliability and resilience.

Construction Schedule

Q1 2026

Project permitting

Ongoing

Annual performance reviews

Q2 2027

Construction commences

Q4 2028

Target operations date

Contact

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