Brooklyn Battery Pilot Powers Businesses with DIY Energy Storage Network
In the bustling kitchen of Black Seed Bagels in northern Brooklyn, a tall silver electric oven known as the Baconator cooks thousands of pounds of meat weekly. This commercial appliance is connected to a battery the size of a carry-on suitcase, plugged into the wall, enabling it to draw power directly during peak hours. This setup is part of an innovative pilot scheme in Brooklyn that provides businesses with batteries to form an electricity storage network, reducing reliance on the grid and slashing utility bills.
How the Battery System Works
Noah Bernamoff, co-owner of Black Seed Bagels, explained that during the morning rush, a 2.8-kilowatt hour battery powers the Baconator, while two additional batteries support energy-intensive refrigerators in the shop. Businesses like Black Seed often face hefty demand charges on their utility bills, which can account for up to half of their total monthly costs. By shifting to battery power during key times, Black Seed aims to lower its peak grid needs and reduce fees from utility provider Con Edison.
The pilot is run by David Energy, a New York-based retail energy provider that supplied the batteries for free last August. Using its software platform, David Energy controls when appliances draw on backup power. Vivek Bhagwat, head of engineering at David Energy, highlighted that tapping batteries for refrigerators—which run constantly—will be especially beneficial during summer months when air conditioners operate around the clock.
Financial Benefits and Expansion
For Black Seed, even modest savings from batteries could be significant when scaled across its 10 locations in New York City. Bernamoff noted that saving $80 per shop monthly could add up to nearly $10,000 annually in avoided utility costs. "We're in the game of nickels and dimes," he said, "so we're always happy to save the money."
James McGinniss, CEO of David Energy, believes this DIY battery strategy has serious potential to help small businesses combat rising electricity costs. Beyond Black Seed, batteries have been installed at fast-food restaurants, a day spa, and a dog grooming store, where they cushion the power draw of a fur-drying machine. As of mid-January, David Energy has signed deals to place plug-in batteries in about 50 locations, totaling over 500 kilowatt hours of energy storage capacity.
Global DIY Energy Trends
This pilot builds on growing interest in DIY energy technologies worldwide. McGinniss cited balcony solar systems, popular in Germany but not yet widely allowed in the US due to electrical codes, as an example. However, backup batteries are market-ready, with portable options becoming affordable for households seeking blackout protection without fossil fuel generators.
As a retail energy provider, David Energy competes with utilities by buying electricity from wholesale markets and reselling it. The battery pilot aligns with its goal to "run the grid 24/7 on clean energy." McGinniss explained that solar and batteries have become the cheapest energy sources, making access to these technologies a business priority because "people like cheap energy."
Revenue Opportunities and Future Prospects
David Energy recoups battery costs through money-saving opportunities for customers and revenue streams for itself. Demand charges, based on peak power usage, can make up 15-50% of a commercial bill in New York City. Using stored battery power for high-energy appliances can reduce these peaks, with every kilowatt shaved potentially cutting $50 from monthly bills.
The startup can also earn revenue by participating in demand-response programmes, which pay for reduced power use during high-demand periods. This helps manage wholesale energy purchases against retail commitments. Bernamoff expressed excitement about future possibilities, such as installing large-scale storage systems at Black Seed's Bushwick location, especially as New York pushes for building electrification. "The industrial battery side of it all could be really interesting," he said, envisioning better management of every outlet and lightbulb.
This initiative showcases how innovative energy storage solutions can empower businesses, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals in urban settings.
