Energy storage technology is advancing at a fast pace. Energy storage helps homeowners and business owners during a grid outage by supplying backup power for critical appliances in the house. It can also help utilities who can use the power during peak demand times (heat waves in the summer or cold snaps in the winter) and avoid buying expensive power from inefficient “peaker” plants on the New England grid.
Right now, two utilities in Vermont are offering incentives for installing battery storage systems. Green Mountain Power (GMP) has a Bring Your Own Device program https://greenmountainpower.com/rebates-programs/home-energy-storage/bring-your-own-device/ And, Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) has a Flexible Load Program https://vermontelectric.coop/flexible-load Both of these programs help homeowners with the upfront cost of a battery storage system.
And, if the battery storage system is installed with solar so that it is only charged up by the solar, homeowners can also get a 26% federal tax credit off of the cost of the battery. Another added benefit!