Batteries Drive Down Evening Electricity Prices Across the U.S.
Battery storage is lowering evening electricity prices across the United States. Historically, natural gas 'peaker' plants—expensive turbines built only for the year's highest-demand hours—were activated during summer heat waves to power air conditioners, making 7 p.m. electricity costly in many regions. The increasing use of batteries is now reducing these price spikes by supplying power during peak demand periods.
Key facts
- Batteries are driving down evening electricity prices in the U.S.
- Natural gas peaker plants are among the most expensive to run.
- Peakers are used only during the highest-demand hours of the year.
- Summer air conditioning causes simultaneous demand spikes.
- 7 p.m. electricity was previously expensive in several U.S. regions.
- Peaker plants are turbines built specifically for peak demand.
Entities
Locations
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —