Battery Technology Study Launched By Duke Energy Needs Participants

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Duke Energy customers who have batteries installed in their homes for backup power in the event of an outage can participate in the electricity company's new "Bring Your Own Battery" (BYOB) study, a news release said.

According to Duke, the purpose of this 12-month study is to test potential enhancements to the energy grid and support the growth of renewable energy in the Sunshine State.

The company wants to learn more about customer use of battery technology and explore opportunities to leverage existing battery energy storage systems to improve grid resiliency.

During the study, Duke Energy will be able to call on these devices to support the grid during times of peak demand with the expectation of reducing energy costs for participants and ultimately giving customers the opportunity to participate directly in the company’s transition to a cleaner energy future, staff said.

“Batteries are an exciting technology that will play a significant and evolving role in how energy is delivered to customers now and in the future,” Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said. “With the introduction of studies like BYOB, we are developing ways to provide even greater value to our customers while improving energy resiliency and advancing solar technologies in Florida.”

Duke Energy is working with vendors including Sunrun Inc., Generac, SolarEdge and Virtual Peaker to offer existing battery customers in Florida the opportunity to participate in the BYOB battery study.