In a world where energy storage technology is advancing rapidly, risk managers need a partner who can interpret technical data and translate it into actionable risk mitigation and insurance strategies. That's where Gallagher excels. Our Energy practice isn't a typical insurance brokerage team — we're engineers, scientists and seasoned risk consultants who dive deep into the technology so you don't have to. Here's how our technical brokerage approach benefits your organization.
Insight-driven risk assessment
We continuously monitor industry research, fire test results and emerging best practices. Whether it's energy-source manufacturer Wärtsilä's latest fire test or a new UL safety standard, we analyze the implications for your risk profile.
For instance, when data shows that a particular Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) design contains fires effectively, we communicate that to underwriters, potentially improving your insurability. If tests reveal a design gap such as weak door latches, we alert you and suggest engineering solutions before an insurer flags it.
This proactive stance helps reduce uncertainty — you gain clarity on what worst-case scenarios look like and how they can be managed, backed by real evidence.
Translating technical jargon for underwriters
Insurance underwriters may not be battery experts, but they do understand evidence and standards. We act as your advocate and translator. Our detailed reports will highlight, for example, that your BESS uses fire-tested enclosures with no recorded propagation in testing or that its battery management system (BMS) will isolate a failing module in milliseconds. We cite standards, such as UL 9540A results and NFPA 855 compliance, and even leverage quotes from authoritative bodies — like the Fire Protection Research Foundation or CSA Group specialists — that reinforce confidence in your safety measures.
By articulating the risk in technical yet insurer-friendly terms, we enable carriers to offer terms based on solid data rather than fear of the unknown. The result is often more favorable insurance conditions — be it lower premiums, higher capacity limits or simply underwriters willing to write the policy at all.
Guidance on design and operational best practices
We don't just identify problems; we provide solutions. Our team will work with your engineers to implement the design improvements and procedural changes that materially reduce risk.
For example, after learning of a door latch issue in the Wärtsilä test, we may recommend retrofitting heavier-duty latches or adding secondary fastenings on your existing BESS containers. We advise on thermal runaway mitigation technologies — such as fire-resistant coatings between cells and fast-acting vapor suppression units — by evaluating which ones are proven effective. If spacing is a concern at your site, we might explore installing a simple fire-rated partition between units instead of moving entire containers.
Each recommendation is tailored to practical constraints and cost-benefit considerations — we understand budgets are finite, so we prioritize measures that give the biggest risk reduction for the investment.
Holistic safety and insurance programs
Our strength lies in seeing the full picture. Technical risk mitigation and insurance are two sides of the same coin — we make sure your safety investments pay off in the form of a resilient operation and a well-structured insurance program.
For instance, if you upgrade your BESS with advanced fire monitoring or suppression, we'll negotiate with your insurers to recognize that improvement, possibly via policy endorsements or better terms. Conversely, we design insurance programs that complement the engineering: if a fire is contained to one unit as expected, we ensure your property damage and business interruption coverage is right-sized, so you're not overpaying for worst-case losses that won't happen, yet you're fully covered for plausible scenarios.
By aligning engineering and insurance perspectives, we eliminate surprises — no finger-pointing, just coordinated risk management that stands up even when tested (literally, in fire tests!).
Thought leadership and continuous learning
Our commitment as a technical broker means we stay at the forefront of emerging risks. We actively contribute to industry forums, code development (through NFPA, IEEE, etc.) and research initiatives. When new insights arise — say, a novel failure mode or a breakthrough in battery fire suppression — we rapidly incorporate that knowledge into our client advisories. Through white papers, training sessions and articles like this one, we educate and empower you, the utility risk manager. The goal isn't just to sell insurance but to genuinely elevate your organization's safety posture and risk intelligence. We believe an informed client is the best partner, and together we can push for higher standards across the industry.
Bottom line: We position ourselves as an extension of your risk management team — providing the expert analysis, practical recommendations and insurance savvy that transform uncertainty into confidence. The recent large-scale BESS fire tests show that with the right precautions, even "worst-case" battery fires can be contained and managed. Let us help you leverage these findings to make your projects safer and more insurable.
