Vermont utility makes it easier than ever to add a home backup battery
Why it matters: This initiative democratizes access to home energy resilience, transforming the grid and accelerating clean energy adoption.
- Green Mountain Power (GMP) is expanding its virtual power plant program with a new battery lease option, making home backup power more accessible.
- GMP now offers both Tesla Powerwall and Enphase's fourth-generation IQ Battery, giving customers more choice and addressing concerns about supporting Elon Musk's ventures.
- Customers can add a battery for $55/month or a one-time payment of $5,500, with Alexander Mintz of Power Guru highlighting Enphase's affordability.
- Leased systems may still qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit (US Code § 48E), a commercial investment credit, unlike the expired residential credit.
- Mari McClure, GMP President and CEO, emphasizes that these solutions strengthen the grid, improve reliability, and drive down costs, promoting energy independence and resilience.
Vermont's Green Mountain Power (GMP) is expanding its virtual power plant program, offering a new battery lease option that makes home backup power more accessible and affordable. By including Enphase's IQ Battery alongside Tesla Powerwall, GMP addresses customer preferences and leverages a legal loophole to maintain federal tax credit eligibility for leased systems.
