Battery energy storage is quickly becoming one of the most cost-effective tools for Canadians looking to lower their electricity bills. Whether for large industrial facilities or family homes, modern batteries help users take control of when they use power — turning energy management into real financial savings that reduces electricity costs.
For Businesses: Tackling Demand Charges and Cutting Costs
In much of Canada, especially in provinces like Ontario and BC, large electricity users pay not only for the energy they consume but also for their peak demand — the highest level of power drawn from the grid during a billing period.
Batteries work to support your business during peak demand times and offset these big charges. Let’s break down how that works
Charge During Off-Peak Hours:
Batteries store electricity when utility rates are lowest or when on-site generation (like solar) exceeds demand.
Discharge During Peak Demand:
When facility demand begins to rise toward its peak, the battery automatically supplies stored energy, reducing the power drawn from the grid.
Flatten the Load Profile:
By discharging strategically, the battery smooths out short-term spikes, lowering the “peak” kilowatt value that utilities use to calculate demand charges.
Avoid Capacity Charges:
Some utilities in Canada charge extra fees for high system demand periods (e.g., Ontario’s Global Adjustment). Batteries help avoid or reduce these by limiting consumption when system-wide demand is highest.
Provide Instant Response:
Advanced control systems detect load surges in real time, discharging within milliseconds — preventing costly spikes before they occur.
Batteries are a great investment for all businesses and gives owners more control over energy expenses. For large facilities — such as manufacturing plants, data centers, and retail complexes — these savings can be even more dramatic. Many see annual cost reductions in the thousands, particularly when paired with federal incentives like the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit.
For Homes: Smart Savings Through Peak Shaving
Residential electricity users in Ontario, British Columbia, and other provinces with time-of-use (TOU) pricing pay higher rates during peak hours. Home batteries solve this by storing low-cost power (or excess solar energy) during the day and using it when grid rates rise in the evening.
Charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest, typically overnight.
Store excess solar energy during the day for use after sunset instead of sending it back to the grid.
Discharge power during peak-rate periods, avoiding higher evening rates.
Automatically manage energy use through smart systems that detect and respond to TOU pricing changes.
This peak shaving method can reduce electricity costs by up to 30%, while improving energy independence and providing backup power during outages. The savings work even better when paired with a solar energy system.
If you’d like more information about batteries for your home or business to reduces electricity costs, we can help qualify you for available rebates and work with you to install a tailored solution that optimizes your battery potential. Contact us today for a free quote
