Grocery Outlet Deploys an Energy Storage System to Participate in a Demand Response Pilot Program and Combat Demand Charges

PROJECT SUMMARY

THE CHALLENGE

Grocery Outlet, one of the largest value retailers in the US, expressed interest in participating in a demand response pilot program with their local electric utility. One of the factors driving the store to explore cost-saving options was the rate at which retail electricity prices have been rising. With a summer peak energy charge of just under 20¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh) and a demand charge of $40/kilowatt (kW), mitigating electric utility expenses became mission critical. Baker Electric, one of California’s leading solar and storage installers, was brought on to outfit the store with a behind-the-meter energy storage system (ESS). Baker was tasked with the challenge of procuring tier 1 ESS equipment within a predetermined timeframe and meeting all the standards set by the utility to participate in the pilot program.

THE SOLUTION

As a long-time ETB Developer user, Baker Electric brought on Energy Toolbase to help procure a turnkey, tier 1 ESS system and see the project through to commissioning. The Grocery Outlet is part of a four-site portfolio where Baker has been enlisted to deploy ESS as part of the local utility’s demand response integration pilot program. With Energy Toolbase, Baker swiftly secured a BYD Chess 60 kW 4-hour unit delivered to the Grocery Outlet site fully integrated with Energy Toolbase’s Acumen EMS™ controls software, ready to start scheduling dispatch commands through the ETB Monitor platform. The system was also configured with EMS applications of demand charge management and time-of-use arbitrage to optimize electric bill savings. Readmore about our Acumen EMS energy storage integration with BYD. 

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