Vermont’s Green Mountain Power introduces energy sharing program

Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) have launched a program that allows customers to share access to their energy.

The program, called Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), is for customers with home batteries. It allows them to share access to their stored energy. This will drive down costs for all customers, while reducing carbon emissions and improving grid resiliency.

“I’m proud of our leadership in energy innovation and this is another great example of Vermont companies collaborating to produce a stronger economy by lowering energy costs and addressing climate change,” Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said. “This type of program – where every homeowner can participate –not only benefits those living here now but reflects the ingenuity of our state as we work to attract more families.”

GMP customers with their own home batteries can choose payment up front when they enroll in the program, or bill credits in exchange for sharing access to their stored energy. The utility will call on that customer’s stored energy to reduce demand during peak usage times, which will lower costs for all customers. GMP will then pass hose cost savings on to all customers.

“Vermonters value independence, resilience, reliability and choices, all qualities that GMP’s Bring Your Own Device initiative offers with energy storage and electric vehicle charging,” Olivia Campbell Andersen, executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont, said. “Working together while also saving money through renewable energy technologies is the way to meet our climate commitments and create more resilient communities.  Vermonters can work with any of our local business REV members and GMP, and also choose among several different connected products to participate.”

Customers will see immediate savings when they choose the new upfront payment over the program’s existing bill credit option. The incentive gives them $850 per kilowatt of energy storage enrolled in the program.

“I’m thrilled with this program. I love my solar from SunCommon and adding battery storage gives me peace of mind. This up-front payment makes a huge difference,” Carole McCay, a SunCommon solar customer, says of the up-front payment option. “I haven’t paid an electric bill since I installed solar and I’m delighted that I can now share some of my extra stored energy with Green Mountain Power during peak demand times.”

SunCommon expects to see interest in batteries jump because of the program.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Green Mountain Power to help launch the BYOD program,” Paul Lesure, general manager/partner at Green Mountain Solar, said. “Energy storage installations have been a growing part of our business over the last few years. This new program will provide customers greater options for energy storage and to really tailor the energy storage of the homes’ needs.”

Green Mountain Power serves about 265,000 residential and business customers in Vermont.