Download Free (.pdf)Demand Response
Unlock Up to 50% in Incentives for Commercial Battery Storage with CESS
Cut project costs in half and earn additional performance-based revenue by supporting the grid with storage
The Connecticut Energy Storage Solutions (CESS) program is a statewide initiative that provides commercial asset owners and customers with high-value incentives to install storage systems. When enrolled, the program can cover up to 50% of the cost, plus customers can receive additional incentives based on how much power the battery system contributes to the grid.
Location:
Utility:
Program Timeline
Start Preparing
Review agreement and get facility owner signoff.
Program Start
May 1 - Sep 30
Deadline
Apr 1 deadline for May 1 start.
Receive Revenue
Energy Toolbase sends revenue generated.
Program Overview
- Compliance
Must be within the Eversource or UI service territories and installed by a contractor in the program’s approved contractor network.
- Enrollment Deadlines
Open on a rolling basis as long as the program continues to accept new applications and funds remain available.
- Events
Each event normally lasts about 1 – 3 hours and occurs sometime in the window from roughly noon to 9 PM.
- Period
Summer: Jun 1 – Sep 30
Winter: Nov 1 – Mar 31
- Upfront (Enrollment) Incentives
Commercial customers receive upfront financial support tied to battery capacity (per kWh) or project cost.
- Performance-Based / Demand Response Payments
Participants earn performance incentives based on average energy discharged from the battery during events.
Compensation
Upfront Declining Incentive Block Structure
| Tranche 3 Enrolled Capacity | Small Commercial | Medium Commercial | Large Commercial | Priority Customer Adder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 50 MW | $182.00 / kWh | $159.25 / kWh | $91.00 / kWh | +25% |
| 50 – 75 MW | $164.00 / kWh | $143.50 / kWh | $82.00 / kWh | +25% |
| 75 – 126.1 MW | $146.00 / kWh | $127.75 / kWh | $73.00 / kWh | +25% |
Annual Performance-Based Incentive
| Summer | Winter | |
|---|---|---|
| Years 1 – 5 | $200.00 / kWh | $25.00 / kWh |
| Years 6 – 10 | $115.00 / kWh | $15.00 / kWh |
ETB Developer + ETB Controller
All In One Solution
for Grid Services
Energy Toolbase enables the modeling, enrollment, participation, and revenue distribution for customers. Our ETB Controller can receive day-ahead notifications, optimize and dispatch energy storage assets, send performance data, and ensure customers get paid for energy generated.
Effortless CESS Participation
with Energy Toolbase
CESS participation is complex, but it doesn’t have to be. We eliminate these burdens with a turnkey solution. Our platform handles everything—from enrollment and compliance reporting to asset optimization and revenue distribution – so you don’t have to. Let Energy Toolbase take care of the complexities so you can focus on your business and let your system work smarter for you.
How to Model & Enroll Commercial
Energy Storage Sites in Connecticut ESS
Step 1
Confirm Eligibility
Use ETB Developer to determine if the site meets size and load curtailment requirements.
Step 2
Enroll & Apply
Directly enroll with ETB Controller and an approved aggregator partner and receive assistance with application and administrative tasks.
Step 3
Track Performance and Get Paid
Receive direct payments based on performance, monitored by ETB Monitor.
Frequently
Asked Questions
How do commercial customers earn incentives?
Commercial participants can receive enrollment incentives that are capacity-based or performance-based incentives, which are paid over time. Performance incentives are tied to how much energy the battery discharges during utility-called dispatch events in summer and winter peak seasons.
When do dispatch events occur?
The summer season is from June 1 to September 30, and the winter season is from November 1 to March 31. Events typically last one to three hours between 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Is there a deadline to enroll?
Enrollment is generally open on a rolling basis while funding and program capacity remain available. To fully participate in a given summer performance season, projects typically must receive program approval by May 31 of that year.
What size systems qualify?
The program supports commercial battery storage systems located behind-the-meter within Connecticut utility service territories. System size eligibility and incentive levels depend on the program’s current incentive structure.
How does a customer know if they qualify for this incentive program?
Energy Toolbase provides advanced project modeling through ETB Developer, enabling developers and asset owners to model Connecticut ESS enrollment incentives, forecast seasonal performance revenue, and simulate dispatch event participation.
How does ETB Controller optimize performance during dispatch events?
ETB Controller with Acumen AI™ automatically responds to utility dispatch signals, ensures batteries are charged ahead of forecasted events, and optimizes discharge during event windows.
How does ETB Monitor support compliance and reporting?
ETB Monitor provides event performance tracking, historical dispatch reporting, and savings verification.
Can Energy Toolbase support multi-site portfolios?
Energy Toolbase’s software platform enables centralized modeling, dispatch control, and monitoring across multiple Connecticut sites, making it ideal for school districts, municipal portfolios, and commercial real estate.
Ready to unlock more energy storage
revenue with demand response programs?
Ask a team member how Energy Toolbase can specifically help you.