Duke Energy Florida has started a new pilot project in the Hunter’s Creek neighborhood of Orlando, installing battery energy storage systems in over 75 single-family homes. The program aims to test how residential batteries can help manage electricity use and support the grid during periods of high demand.
The Generac battery systems installed in participating homes act as both backup power sources and tools for managing energy use. Under normal conditions, these batteries remain idle or charge during off-peak hours. In case of a power outage, they automatically provide backup electricity to the home.
On days when electricity demand is high, Duke Energy can direct all participating batteries to discharge power for one to three hours at the same time. This process is designed to reduce strain on the electric grid. The company schedules these events based on projected system needs throughout the duration of the pilot.
“This pilot helps us better understand how home battery systems can support both our customers and the electric system during times of high demand,” said Melissa Seixas, president, Duke Energy Florida. “By learning from this project, we can explore practical ways to use energy more efficiently while continuing to provide reliable service to the communities we serve.”
The pilot will last for 10 years and aims to collect data that will inform future strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing overall consumption. Homeowners who participate do not need to change their usage habits, nor does participation affect their utility bills. Stored battery energy powers homes at no additional cost compared with regular grid electricity.
During service interruptions such as those caused by hurricanes, participants will have access to stored energy for select areas of their homes until full power is restored.
Duke Energy Florida serves about 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida and owns 12,500 megawatts of capacity. Its parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and provides electric utilities service to approximately 8.6 million customers across six states with a total capacity of 55,100 megawatts. Duke Energy also operates natural gas utilities serving around 1.7 million customers in five states.
The company continues its efforts toward an energy transition by investing in upgrades to its electric grid and expanding cleaner generation sources such as renewables and energy storage solutions.
More information about Duke Energy’s projects and services can be found at duke-energy.com and through its various social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, as well as its news site illumination.
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