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

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.