The ability to store power from other sources (wind or solar) during times when it's not needed but can be used later at peak hours. Cost is still expensive per kWh stored especially if you are purchasing through an aggregator like Ameren. However, I think this is due to the type/quality of batteries being installed rather than with any faults within the system itself. We have been able to reduce our net energy usage significantly by storing wind generated electricity during low demand periods when we don't need it as much.