GVEC announced a collaboration with Enphase Energy. The partnership will provide GVEC's members the opportunity to participate in a trailblazing battery storage-based demand response program, Peak-Time Payback (PTP). One of the first of its kind in the state, the program is just one step in GVEC's strategic plans to help keep rates fair and competitive for members as well as support the overall resilient and sustainability of the Texas electrical grid year-round.

GVEC members with Enphase IQ batteries are incentivized to join the program with one initial bill credit upon registration and an on-going annual bill credit based on the capacity rating of their system. During times of high demand throughout the year, GVEC, working in conjunction with Parsons (formerly IPKeys Power Partners) and Enphase, can access up to 70% of the total capacity of each battery system to discharge back into the home reducing or eliminating the home's reliance on the grid. Discharge events will not take place during extreme weather conditions or outage situations, ensuring members have backup power when needed.

According to GVEC General Manager and CEO Darren Schauer, the timing for this program is ideal as both consumers and the industry are becoming increasingly receptive to innovative energy solutions. In 2018, GVEC first introduced their PTP demand response program featuring smart thermostats which has worked to save members over $1M in Generation and Transmission (G&T) costs through 2023 year-end. With G&T costs contributing up to 65% of a member's monthly electric bill, utilizing smart thermostats combined with battery storage systems to reduce demand in real-time can exponentially increase future savings and grid sustainability as participation in the program increases over time.

GVEC's Darren Schauer added the new Enphase program is an important example of how the Cooperative is embracing new solutions to provide multi-faceted benefits at many levels.