New York City Pilot Program Tests Plug-In Batteries for Air Conditioners to Ease Grid Stress
A pilot program in New York City is testing the use of plug-in batteries to power air conditioners during peak demand periods, aiming to reduce stress on the electric grid during heat waves. The initiative, led by Every Electric in partnership with Con Edison, involves devices that charge when electricity demand is low and power window AC units when demand spikes. This approach is part of a broader trend towards virtual power plants, where distributed energy resources are coordinated to manage grid load. The program is expanding to over 1,000 homes this summer, offering participants cash rebates as incentives. 
