A new pilot program in New York City is testing plug-in batteries that power air conditioning units during peak demand, aiming to reduce strain on the electrical grid and lower utility bills for renters. The initiative, led by Every Electric in partnership with Con Edison, uses devices about the size of a microwave that charge when electricity demand is low and then run window AC units for a few hours when demand spikes.
Andrew Wang, CEO of Every Electric, described the devices as "basically a souped-up version of the power bank that you would use to charge your phone when you go out." The program, expanding to over 1,000 homes this summer, is part of Con Edison's demand response initiatives, which compensate customers for reducing or shifting electricity use to bolster grid stability.
Kevin Brehm, a manager at RMI, noted that during heat events, utilities often activate backup power plants that are less efficient and more polluting. Persistent demand spikes can lead to the construction of more fossil-fuel-based power plants, with costs passed on to consumers. "There’s a question of emissions, and then there’s also a really important question around affordability," Brehm said.
The battery plugs directly into an AC unit and a wall outlet, with a smartphone app that detects low-demand periods for charging. Participants receive cash rebates, such as a $100 gift card or the equivalent of a July electric bill. Bianca Pasternack, a renter in the program, praised its accessibility: "I can’t put solar panels on my roof. This is at least something that’s accessible and easy."
The pilot is growing from about 200 kilowatts of flexible capacity last year to an anticipated 2 megawatts this summer, with plans to expand into other cities. Experts believe that if scaled effectively, such solutions could significantly enhance power reliability and reduce the need for new infrastructure.
