GMP’s energy storage programs saved customers $3 million during energy peaks
GMP Says Growing Network of Batteries Is a Cost-Effective Path to Resiliency and Carbon Reduction
Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) announced today that its growing network of stored energy reduced about $3 million in costs for all GMP customers so far in 2020 by cutting power demand during energy peaks, especially during the hot, dry summer. This network includes home batteries, utility-scale Tesla Power Pack batteries at solar sites, and carbon-reducing devices like electric vehicle smart chargers. This builds on more than $2 million in savings over the last two years as GMP pioneered industry-leading battery programs in partnership with its customers.
“We are focused on growing this innovative work, as it is a key part of an affordable energy future for Vermont. Energy storage programs like this are delivering meaningful results, showing a path to help the economy, while reducing costs and carbon at the same time,” said GMP president and CEO Mari McClure.
This summer after regulatory review and approval, GMP started offering two home battery programs. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Powerwall programs were developed in partnership with local solar companies and build on the success of GMP’s popular BYOD and Powerwall pilot programs.
“We’re glad to partner with GMP on these home battery programs which are jumpstarting the future right now. GMP is creating business for us in home batteries that would not be there otherwise, and there is demand – customers are interested and want energy storage,” said Catamount Solar’s managing partner Kevin McCollister. In addition to solar power systems, Catamount also sells and installs battery back-up power systems, and is a certified Tesla Powerwall installer.
This year, batteries in GMP’s programs provided more than 16,000 hours of backup power to customers – offering comfort, convenience and safety through outages, which is increasingly important as Vermont sees more severe weather due to climate change and Vermonters are home more due to the pandemic. Home battery storage is also part of building a flexible and resilient grid. GMP is launching a series of resiliency and system hardening projects as part of its recently approved Climate Plan. The work aims to help communities prepare to stand up to the increasing number of severe storms.
“The peace of mind is great with these batteries. They’ve kept the lights on for short outages this summer and during frigid conditions last winter,” said GMP customer Katherine Silta, of Weathersfield, Vermont, who has two Powerwall batteries through GMP’s early pilot program. “Also, it is great knowing you are helping other customers. You could see on those very hot days that our stored energy was helping to reduce demand on the grid during peak times, reducing costs.”
GMP’s BYOD program still has some 2020 spots available for customers to enroll. It offers the largest discounts in the country up to $10,500 when you buy home batteries from a retailer of your choice and agree to share stored energy with GMP during power peaks. GMP’s Powerwall program is full for 2020, and you can join the waiting list for 2021. Each program can enroll about 500 customers per year. Details are available on GMP’s website:
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power (GMP) serves approximately 266,000 residential and business customers in Vermont and is partnering with them to improve lives and transform communities. GMP is focused on a new way of doing business to meet the needs of customers with integrated energy services that help people use less energy and save money, while continuing to generate clean, cost-effective and reliable power in Vermont. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. GMP earned a spot on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the World list four years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). J.D. Power’s 2018 and 2019 rankings put GMP among top utilities for customer satisfaction. In 2019 and 2020 GMP was named “One of the Best Places to Work in Vermont” by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and was the winner of the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award in 2019.
Source : vermontbiz
