Base Power just became the only licensed electricity provider in Texas to offer customers an all-in-one monthly energy service, home battery, and installation, and solar isn’t required.
Base Power operates in deregulated areas of Texas, and Base Beta is available now to customers near Austin who can choose their power provider.
Customers save on their monthly electric bills and benefit from backup power for one-tenth the upfront cost of comparable batteries and generators. The upfront cost is a one-time fee of $2,000 to cover installation, and Base offers fixed monthly pricing for electricity.
A Base Power spokesperson told Electrek that it purchases 20 kWh white-label batteries that it owns, operates, and maintains for its customers. The company’s batteries have an expected 15-year lifespan.
Base says it will take a bit longer to get owners of rooftop solar set up due to additional integration requirements. The company plans to add a solar + storage offering “in the future.”
Texas is No. 1 in the US for the most power outages, and electricity prices across the state have almost doubled since 2017. This is why Base Power has been set up to operate as a virtual power plant. When the Texas grid is up and running Base Power’s home battery will help stabilize the grid, and when it’s down, Base Power’s batteries keep its customers’ lights on.
Founded in 2023, Base is led by a team of engineers and operators from companies including SpaceX, Tesla, and Apple. The company has raised capital from Thrive Capital, Valor Equity Partners, Altimeter Capital, and others.
Top comment by rmeden
excellent idea... but missing an important detail.
In TX to get the best rates you need to change providers every period. (current best rate is around $0.13/kwh) The TX average is probably much higher (I know folks paying $.024/kwh) because they don't want to play the game or use very little and don't care. I can't find an "energy facts label" for what Base charges. Base promises to be below the "average", but that average may still be high. There is also talk on their web site about "fixed price".... so they don't charge based on KWH used? That sounds like a losing proposition for the consumer.
They do say the battery is 20kwh with a 11kw inverter (good). You have to pay $2000 for install/setup and a $1000 deinstall fee if you move within 5 years or drop their electric service. I find that reasonable, except for the big question on rates Base charges for power. Their promise to be below the average can still be expensive if you have high usage.
It's not clear if you need to switch to Base electric (high cost?) immediately.. but the battery install will be in 2025. If they go under, you may be out a $250 deposit and the higher rate waiting for the install.
I'll probably be moving within 5 years, so I'll pass... but still interesting.
Kavao Siharath, a Base customer in Round Rock, Texas, who is a SpaceX veteran, said, “We’ve seen a solid 10% decrease in our energy expenses, never have to worry about energy bill hikes in the summer and enjoy the peace of mind of backup power. It’s been a huge relief.”
Read more: Sunrun sets a record in California with the US’s largest virtual power plant
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