For homes and businesses across Northern California, being in Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) territory increasingly means dealing with high electricity costs, frequent outages, and wildfire-related safety shutoffs. Battery backup systems are emerging as one of the most practical solutions to all three.

Power When the Grid Fails — Without Disruption

Battery storage systems automatically keep critical loads running when the grid goes down. Refrigeration, lighting, internet, security systems, and essential equipment stay online — often so seamlessly that customers don’t even notice an outage or a Public Safety Power Shutoff.

For businesses, that continuity means avoiding lost revenue, damaged goods, and operational downtime. For homes, it means comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

A Smart Response to High and Rising PG&E Rates

PG&E electricity is expensive — and rate increases continue to put pressure on household and business budgets. Battery systems help reduce exposure to high Time-of-Use rates by storing energy when it’s cheaper and using it when prices spike.

Instead of buying PG&E’s most expensive power, customers rely on energy they’ve already stored — without changing their behavior or daily routines.

Energy Management That Runs in the Background

Modern battery systems are managed by intelligent software that optimizes energy use automatically. The system anticipates pricing, maintains backup reserves, and prepares for outages — all without manual intervention.

When enrolled in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), batteries can also support the grid during peak demand events, helping stabilize the system while potentially earning compensation — without sacrificing reliability.

A Call to Action for Clean Energy Entrepreneurs

Battery storage is no longer just a hardware solution — it’s a platform for innovation. From advanced controls and VPP aggregation to financing models, installation, and customer education, the market is rapidly evolving.

There are local companies already championing and making waves. Kora Power, led by seasoned entrepreneur Greg Connelly, has a consumer-focused solution for home storage and VVP. 

If you’re a clean energy entrepreneur or solution provider working on storage, energy management, grid services, or customer engagement, CleanStart wants to hear from you. We connect innovators with utilities, policymakers, investors, and early adopters across California’s clean energy ecosystem.

👉 Get involved with CleanStart — attend a meetup, apply to a program, or share what you’re building as we work together to make California’s energy system more resilient, affordable, and distributed.