Smart Battery Pilot
Get rewards when you install or connect a qualifying home battery system.
PGE's Smart Battery pilot explores how to connect home battery systems to PGE's grid. During peak energy times (usually the hottest or coldest days of the year), we'll charge or discharge your battery to support the grid — typically 10 to 15 times per year. Your battery stays available for outages or whenever you need it and you're always in control of how much energy you share.
Share what you want and get rewarded
You have the flexibility to decide how much you want to contribute based on your comfort level, with each tier reflecting a percentage of your battery's total capacity. No matter which tier you choose, your battery system will always be available for your use during a power outage.
Get rewards
You can decide how much energy PGE can use from your battery during scheduled Peak Time Events, earning $1.70 per kWh for each event. Your battery system will always be available for your use during a power outage. Keeping your battery ready for you when you need it most is our top priority.
Why choose a home battery?
Home battery systems are a great way to improve your home's resilience by providing back-up power during outages. They also help you get the most out of your solar panels by letting you store the energy you generate during the day.
Power up with incentives and rebates
Energy Trust of Oregon 
offers cash incentives for solar + battery storage and for batteries added to existing solar systems, including higher incentives for income-qualified households.
Your battery may also qualify for a 30% federal tax credit.
Who qualifies?
If you have one of the qualifying battery systems listed below, you can enroll in our Smart Battery pilot and earn bill credits for each Peak Time Event you participate in.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Smart Battery pilot?
PGE kicked off its Smart Battery pilot in 2020, partnering with customers who have home battery storage systems. Together, we're building a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) by connecting these batteries to the grid, contributing up to 9.5 megawatt hours of energy. This setup supports a cleaner energy future and gives you reliable backup power during an outage.
Will PGE request power from my battery during an outage?
No, we cannot request power from your battery during an outage because your battery will already be prioritizing your home’s needs. PGE keeps a close eye on weather, if severe conditions are likely to cause outages, your battery won't be used for the grid. Ensuring your backup power stays available is a top priority in this pilot.
How often will PGE use my battery?
We expect to use your battery around 15 times a year, mostly during very hot or cold days when the grid is under extra pressure. Since this is a pilot program, we may also run technical tests. Don't worry — you're always in control and can opt out of any PGE dispatch.
How do I get a battery if I don’t already have one?
Contact an Energy Trust of Oregon solar trade ally for a bid on a battery storage system. Your battery may also qualify for the Solar + Storage rebate from the state of Oregon and a 30% federal tax credit. Your installer will guide you through the process of installing your battery system and connecting it to our grid. After your battery is installed, you’ll get a link to connect your battery to PGE. That’s it! Have a question? Email us.
What if I already have a battery system that is not on the qualified list?
No problem. You can pair your current home battery system with Peak Time Rebates as a great way to save on your bill. Simply program your battery to provide some or all of the energy your home needs during a Peak Time Event.
How is PGE working with Energy Trust of Oregon?
PGE is teaming up with the Energy Trust of Oregon to help eligible customers get home battery storage through their existing solar incentive program and trade ally network.
An Energy Trust of Oregon solar trade ally can give you a bid on a new battery system. You can also include solar if you'd like, but it's not required to participate in this pilot.
How does the pilot work?
PGE will signal your battery to request a discharge of stored clean energy back to your home or the grid when energy demand is high, prices are up or electricity has a bigger carbon footprint. You can always choose to opt out and your battery will stay fully available to you during a power outage.
Why does my participation in this pilot matter?
By adding your battery system to the grid, you’re part of a community that is creating a “virtual power plant” - one that lets us store and draws energy when needed. It’s an important step towards a clean energy future and a vital one as we add more renewables like wind and solar to the grid.
For example, if our solar panels or wind turbines are generating more than usual, we can store this extra clean energy in batteries and use it later to power your neighbors’ homes and businesses. That strengthens reliability and makes us better equipped to incorporate more low-cost, renewable energy sources into the grid.
Why is PGE doing this?
As we shift to cleaner energy with more wind and solar, we're also focusing on energy storage to maximize their use. This project is one of the five approved by the OPUC (Oregon Public Utility Commission) to test smart storage options and find the most effective ways to store power.
What else does PGE hope to learn through this program?
PGE's residential battery storage pilot helps balance energy production and demand, reducing the need for fossil-fueled energy sources. By creating a shared resource, we can make better use of clean energy.
The pilot also lets us test new smart-grid controls, which allow a smoother two-way flow of power. This helps us better manage energy from customer solar panels and meet fluctuating demands, like charging electric vehicles, while improving power quality for everyone.