Colchester, Vt. –Green Mountain Power’s first customers with Tesla Powerwall Battery got to test the system’s capabilities during recent storms. The cutting edge battery storage technology was used during this weekend’s severe storm to keep the lights on. Three customers in impacted areas were able to use the Powerwall to provide back-up power to their homes for the duration of the outage, meaning they never lost power.
“Storms bring so much devastation and getting power back on as safely and quickly as possible for customers is our top priority. We are so pleased to see this new technology solution being put in action for the benefit of our customers during these bad weather events,” said GMP President and CEO Mary Powell. “Leveraging innovations like the Powerwall and other new products and services, will help Vermonters use more cost-effective and locally produced energy so that one day we’ll rely first on these new systems and on the grid as a back-up system.”
The Tesla home battery can be paired with small-scale solar such as rooftop panels to store locally generated energy, or it can be used without solar as a battery to store power from the grid. During a storm or emergency, the battery is able to power essential parts of the home like lights, a refrigerator, and furnace. Customers can also leverage time-of-use rates to charge and discharge the battery at times that will save them money.
Jill Fraga who lives in Lincoln had her Powerwall battery provide back up power her home for 14 hours.
“This is a game-changer for our family and will be especially important during winter storms when it’s dark and cold,” said Fraga. “Not losing power and being able to go about our lives provides stability, safety and peace of mind. I’m so happy GMP is offering the Powerwall for customers and that Vermont is leading the way on a new energy future.”
For other customers, in Ripton, where there was significant storm damage, the Powerwall kept the lights on for 16 hours while crews repaired damage to poles and wires and in Hinesburg the battery provided power for 2 hours through an outage.
In addition to storing power for use during outages, the Powerwall also allows GMP to reduce peak demand on the system, providing cost savings to all customers.
GMP has worked closely with customers to help make the Powerwall an affordable option. Customers can lease one for $37.50 a month or $1.25 a day, with no upfront cost.
Customers can call or go online to learn more about the Tesla Powerwall. To sign up for a Tesla Powerwall or for more information, please visit:
http://products.greenmountainpower.com/product/tesla-powerwall/
Leave a Reply