Tesla customers will soon be able to use home energy storage systems to help support the Texas power grid.
A partnership between Tesla Electric, a retail electricity provider operated by the automaker’s Tesla Energy, and solar company SunRun announced Tuesday that it is signing up customers for a program that uses Tesla Powerwall battery packs to grid supplement during times of high demand.
Tesla Powerwall – Powered by Tesla, Inc.
SunRun says it has signed up 150 customers and plans to ramp up from there. Sign-ups are open to SunRun customers who have solar panels from that company connected to Tesla Powerwall Batteryand those who have chosen Tesla Electric as their electricity supplier.
While the company is enrolling them, these customers will actually be participating in a test program run by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the state’s grid operator. They will receive $400 per Powerwall for participating in the program during calendar year 2024. SunRun will also earn incremental revenue from the program.
Tesla Powerwall – Powered by Tesla, Inc.
Backup batteries can help strengthen the power grid during severe weather eventSunRun noted. Just three weeks ago, Hurricane Beryl caused power outages, the company said, affecting nearly three million homes and businesses. And in 2021, a winter storm knocked out much of Texas’ power grid.
This is SunRun’s first pilot program in Texas, but the company has experience with home battery backup. SunRun is the preferred installer for Ford. backup power system Sold with the F-150 Lightningalso used in a 2022 study by California utility Pacific Gas & Electric is looking at how such hardware could connect to the grid. SunRun also offers free battery backup system for low-income households in California through a state-funded program announced in 2020.
