An electric co-op in Georgia, USA, has entered a partnership to deploy 50MW of residential battery storage across its service territory.
The deal will see Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) and Base Power form a networked fleet of batteries which the co-op can dispatch 24/7, adding local capacity to support the grid and the community.
Base – which is venturing outside Texas for the first time on utility partnership – says this will offer Central Georgia EMC a fast, low-cost solution to add capacity quickly.
The provider installs, and maintains every battery, while the co-operative controls when the fleet charges and discharges. Central Georgia EMC will dispatch the fleet to reduce load during system peaks and capture additional value by utilising the batteries to charge when energy prices are low and discharge when prices are high.
Related: How US electric co-ops are developing energy storage capacity
For Central Georgia EMC members, the programme offers automatic, whole-home backup for US$95, with no additional monthly costs, adds Base. The firm installs the battery outside the home and handles service and maintenance for the life of the battery, and members are billed only for the energy their home uses, at their normal Central Georgia EMC rates.
The first installations are scheduled for 2027.
““As the energy industry continues to evolve, Central Georgia EMC is committed to pursuing innovative solutions that provide value to our members,” said George L. Weaver, president/CEO of the co-op. “By partnering with Base Power, we can add flexible local capacity to support our electric system while giving participating members greater peace of mind through dependable backup battery power.
“This programme reflects our commitment to meeting today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Central Georgia EMC joins a growing list of utilities working with Base, including Austin Energy, El Paso Electric, CoServ, Farmers Electric Cooperative, and Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative. The partnership is Base’s first major expansion since announcing its $1bn Series D in August and the launch of Base Core, a home battery designed and built at Base’s factory in Austin. Base’s fleet now totals more than 750MWh across 30,000+ homes.
“We’re excited to partner with Central Georgia EMC to bring our innovative solution to Georgia,” said Zach Dell, co-founder and CEO of Base Power. “Central Georgia EMC has spent decades looking out for its members, and this program builds on that work. We couldn’t ask for a better partner as we bring Base to new parts of the country.”
