Highlights
- Duke Energy Florida will apply learnings from the pilot to help determine when and how residential battery systems can be most effective in reducing energy use and grid demand
- More than 75 homeowners are participating in the pilot program, which will remain in place for 10 years to support data collection
Duke Energy Florida has launched an energy-saving pilot project in the Hunter's Creek neighborhood of Orlando. As part of the initiative, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have been installed in more than 75 participating single-family homes to help manage energy use and support the electric grid during high-demand periods.
The pilot evaluates how home battery systems can be used for demand response by supplying stored energy during times of peak demand. When available, excess stored energy can also be returned to the power grid.
How it works
The Generac battery system installed in participating homes serves as a backup power source and an energy management tool. Under normal conditions, the system remains idle or charges during off-peak hours. During a power outage, it automatically provides backup power to the home.
On days of high energy demand, Duke Energy can dispatch the batteries to discharge power simultaneously for one to three hours, easing strain on the grid. Demand response events are scheduled based on projected system conditions throughout 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."
How it helps
Data collected during the pilot will help Duke Energy determine when and how residential battery systems can be most effective in reducing energy use and grid demand. The 10-year evaluation will support ongoing research into strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing overall consumption.
Participants do not need to change their energy usage habits, and the pilot project does not impact their utility billing. The stored energy in the battery system will seamlessly power the home at the same cost as grid energy without interruption.
During any service interruptions, such as during hurricane season, participating homeowners will have access to stored energy to power select areas of the home until power is restored.
For information about the implementation of the Residential Battery Storage Pilot project, visit Duke Energy's Battery Pilot Information website.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
