Green Mountain Power launches two new home battery programs

The Vermont Public Utility Commission approved two new home battery programs proposed by Green Mountain Power (GMP).

GMP’s new programs — Tesla Powerwall and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – have proven to show cost savings and seamless backup power during outages in pilot programs.

“Team Vermont is again leading the way in home energy storage, and we’re so glad to be able to help grow this green economy by working together with our customers and partners in energy innovation in Vermont,” GMP President and CEO Mari McClure said. “This work to drive down costs for all customers and increase resiliency and safety is always important but is highlighted even more now during this extraordinary time. We are pleased to offer affordable energy storage solutions for more residential customers in a way that saves money for all GMP customers,” she said.

GMP’s BYOD tariff program was developed in partnership with solar companies and Renewable Energy Vermont (REV). It offers up to $10,500 in upfront incentives to customers purchasing their own batteries through local installers. At least 500 customers can enroll each year, up to five MW of stored energy annually. The amount of stored power they enroll determines the amount of their upfront savings. It also helps lower costs for all GMP customers by providing access to stored energy during peak demand times.

Further, through GMP’s Powerwall tariff program, customers can pay $55 per month for two Powerwall batteries in a 10-year lease, which covers standard installation, with the option of five more years at no additional cost. Alternatively, customers can pay $5,500 upfront. Customers also agree to share their stored energy with GMP during peak energy use times, which lowers costs for all GMP customers.

“Thanks to the new GMP incentives, reliable and safer electric battery storage is even more affordable for Vermonters. Seamless, automatic, and gas-free backup with battery storage charged by local renewables is the best way to weather storms and keep the lights on in your home or business,” Olivia Campbell Anderson, executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont, said. “Vermonters can work with any of the more than 3 dozen local installers and choose what battery works best for them.”

The enrollment process for the incentives starts on June 5. Both tariffs will be in place for the next two years, after which time they will be reviewed. Customers can enroll directly with REV members offering participating battery storage services. GMP serves about 266,000 residential and business customers in Vermont.