Duke Energy Florida has started a pilot project in the Hunter’s Creek neighborhood of Orlando to study how residential battery energy storage systems can help manage electricity use and support the grid during peak demand periods. More than 75 single-family homes are participating in the initiative, which will run for 10 years to collect data on energy efficiency and grid reliability.
The program uses Generac battery systems installed in each home. These batteries act as backup power sources and as tools for managing household energy use. Normally, the batteries remain idle or charge during times when demand is low. In case of a power outage, they automatically supply backup power to homes.
On days when electricity demand is high, Duke Energy can activate the batteries to release stored energy back into the grid for one to three hours. This process helps reduce strain on the electric system. The timing of these events depends 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.”
Data from this project will inform Duke Energy about when residential battery systems are most effective at reducing overall energy use and grid stress. Participants do not have to change their daily habits or worry about changes in their utility bills; stored battery energy powers homes at no extra cost compared with regular grid electricity.
If there is a service interruption such as those caused by hurricanes, homeowners involved in the pilot will be able to use stored battery power for selected areas until normal service resumes.
Duke Energy Florida serves 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida with an energy capacity of 12,500 megawatts. Its parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), based in Charlotte, North Carolina, supplies electricity to 8.6 million customers across six states and owns a total capacity of 55,100 megawatts nationwide. The company continues investing in upgrades for its electric grid and cleaner forms of generation including renewables and energy storage solutions.
Further details about Duke Energy’s initiatives are available at duke-energy.com and through its various social media channels.
For inquiries regarding this program contact Laitin Sterling at Duke Energy’s 24-hour line: 800-559-3853.
