NYC Households Use Free Batteries to Power AC During Heat Waves

Approximately 1,000 New York City households, including the author's family, have participated in a free demand response program that utilizes household batteries to power window air conditioning units during periods of high energy demand and extreme heat. This initiative, offered by the startup Every Electric, allows participants to maintain normal air conditioner usage even during heat waves that drive temperatures into the triple digits, a significant departure from previous summers where families would precool apartments and then endure heat by shutting off AC units. The program involves Every Electric delivering batteries to participating homes. These batteries are designed to be plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet, and then window air conditioners are plugged into the batteries themselves. This setup enables households to continue using their air conditioners without interruption during peak demand periods. Simultaneously, participants can earn money by enrolling in the local demand response program managed by the utility company Con Edison. Demand response programs typically incentivize customers to reduce their electricity consumption during times when the grid is under strain, often by offering financial rewards. By providing a battery backup, Every Electric's program allows residents to meet their comfort needs while still participating in these grid-saving initiatives. The author's personal experience this past summer highlighted the effectiveness of this solution, as their family was able to keep their window AC units running throughout a heat dome event, which included oppressively hot nights, without disconnecting power. This contrasts with prior summers where the family had to precool their apartment and then switch off air conditioners during designated demand response periods, leading to discomfort. The program is described as growing, suggesting an expansion beyond the initial 1,000 households. Every Electric's model addresses a common challenge in urban environments: managing energy consumption during peak summer months when air conditioning use surges, leading to increased strain on the electrical grid and higher energy costs. By offering a tangible solution that combines comfort with financial incentives and grid support, the program aims to make demand response participation more accessible and less disruptive for residents. The simplicity of the setup—plugging batteries into an outlet and AC units into the batteries—further contributes to its appeal for widespread adoption. This approach not only benefits individual households by ensuring comfort during extreme weather but also contributes to broader energy resilience and grid stability for New York City.