daily · Climate Policy

Storage-industry sources urge risk-based rules for bulk-power equipment

New November 2 interviews describe concerns about implementing the August 26 equipment order. The reporting is not a new ban or a finding that every imported battery is prohibited.

By Greener Numbers Editorial Team · Published November 2, 2026 · Updated 11/2/2026

New reporting published November 2 describes concerns about how the August 26 executive order on foreign-produced bulk-power equipment will be implemented. Energy-Storage.News interviewed industry sources who argued for technical security standards rather than broad country-of-origin restrictions. Their views are attributed reporting, not a formal position adopted by the entire industry.

A source involved in the public-comment process said uncertainty over the equipment covered, possible effects on existing projects and future technical standards could complicate project decisions. The source favored building on existing North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection standards rather than creating conflicting requirements.

The August 26 order itself covers certain transactions involving foreign-produced equipment tied to covered foreign entities when the Energy Secretary makes specified risk determinations. Its definition of the bulk-power system includes transmission lines rated at 69,000 volts or more and excludes local distribution facilities. Listed equipment includes grid-connected inverters and battery storage systems, among other equipment.

The order directs implementing rules or regulations within 120 days as needed. It also permits mitigation and pre-qualification approaches and provides authority to impose conditions on some existing equipment. These provisions do not establish that every imported battery or inverter is prohibited, or that new rules have already been finalized.

For developers, the immediate issue in the new interviews is regulatory uncertainty. Project delays and supply constraints are risks the sources raised, not measured outcomes established by the article. Neither the interviews nor the order establishes a specific change to household electricity bills.

The fresh development is the November 2 reporting on industry concerns. The executive order dates to August 26 and should not be presented as a newly issued measure.