Connecticut’s electric grid is facing increasing pressure as electricity demand continues to grow. Not only is energy usage increasing but changes in when and how we are using energy are causing extreme spikes in demand. Historically, meeting those spikes meant utilities needed to build costly power generation facilities and expand grid infrastructure to handle the highest possible load. Utilities are now relying on distributed battery storage to help flatten these spikes by incentivizing businesses to host batteries on their properties that can interact with the grid.
This creates a unique opportunity for business owners to leverage batteries in a practical and financially beneficial way, generating income while also providing back-up power and decreasing demand costs on their utility bills.
Earthlight Technologies, a Connecticut-based energy solutions company, has been working with commercial customers across the state to implement battery storage as part of their long-term energy strategy. As new utility programs expand and become more lucrative, interest from businesses has grown as more organizations recognize that their facilities can play a meaningful role in helping utilities manage periods of peak demand while creating a financially beneficial opportunity for their own operations.
Under the leadership of CEO Sam Schneider, CCO Danielle Fidel, and Director of C&I Energy Storage Stephan Hartmann, Earthlight has been helping businesses deploy these systems with confidence, supported by a team that manages the process entirely in-house, from design and installation to long term service agreements that help maximize customer returns.
For participating businesses, the opportunity is tied to utility demand response programs that compensate battery owners when stored energy is dispatched during periods of peak demand. These programs provide a guaranteed ten-year revenue stream for businesses that host battery systems and participate when the grid calls on them. In return, utilities gain a tool that helps maintain grid stability during critical demand events.
In practice, participating in these programs begins with working with an experienced energy solutions provider such as Earthlight Technologies to evaluate the needs of a commercial building and determine whether battery storage is a good fit. Once a project is approved, the energy storage system is installed and integrated directly into the building’s electrical infrastructure, allowing it to operate alongside the facility’s existing energy systems.
The battery stores electricity during periods when energy demand and electricity prices are lower, allowing the facility to use that stored power later when costs are higher. The utility benefits from having a network of dispatchable batteries throughout the region. Businesses installing batteries benefit from a combination of predictable revenue, lower operating costs, and improved energy resilience.
Commercial battery storage systems also still qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. When combined with the revenue generated through demand response participation, and savings created from demand reduction, these incentives create a compelling return on investment for businesses deploying battery storage projects.
To learn more about whether your business can benefit from hosting a battery on your site, call Earthlight Technologies at (860) 871-9700
