AUSTIN, TEXAS — Austin Energy announced a partnership with local home energy company Base Power to deploy 40 megawatts of residential battery storage across its service area in Austin, Texas. The program is expected to launch later this summer.

Under the agreement, Base Power will provide home battery installation and maintenance to homeowners who join the program, and Austin Energy will dispatch the batteries when needed to help manage prices and grid reliability. The utility said nothing will change from its current electric service, rates or billing.

The 40-megawatt batteries are capable of providing full power for about an hour and a half during peak demand or outages. The batteries can also discharge smaller amounts of energy over longer periods, allowing the system to supply power at lower output for extended intervals beyond that initial window.

Austin Energy General Manager Stuart Reilly said the arrangement reflects the utility's broader approach to energy management. "This partnership is an example of our all-in approach to providing sustainable, affordable and reliable power for our customers," Reilly said. "40 megawatts of local battery storage helps us deliver the power our community needs today while planning for our energy future."

Base Power was founded in Austin. "Base was founded in Austin, and we're excited to help improve local grid reliability, while also providing homeowners access to affordable home backup," Base Power CEO Zach Dell said in a statement. "We look forward to working with the utility and local homeowners to further our shared grid reliability goals," he added.