National Grid Launches Free Home Battery Pilot
The BackupBattery+ program offers no-cost home battery systems to up to 125 income-eligible households in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Utilities
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National Grid is launching a pilot program that provides no-cost home battery systems to up to 125 income-eligible households in Fall River. Haven Energy will own, operate, and maintain the batteries for 10 years.
Why it matters
The batteries can provide backup power during outages and help reduce demand on the local electric grid when electricity use is high. Fall River was chosen because of identified local reliability and capacity needs.
The pilot covers up to 125 households with batteries of up to 45 kWh each, providing at least four hours of backup power. Haven Energy has built more than 10 MW of battery capacity since 2022 and has more than 50 MW in development, but the pilot's cost-effectiveness and customer adoption have not yet been evaluated.
The players
National Grid
National Grid is a major utility company that operates electricity networks serving customers in Massachusetts and other states, and it also runs the statewide ConnectedSolutions customer flexibility program.
Haven Energy
Haven Energy is a battery storage company that launched in California in 2022 and has built more than 10 MW of battery capacity, with more than 50 MW in development.
The details
Eligible residents will receive batteries that can maintain reserve capacity when severe weather is predicted. During periods of high demand or local grid stress, participating batteries can be coordinated to discharge together, reducing load on targeted circuits. National Grid is working with Haven Energy and Citizens for Citizens on outreach to eligible residents.
Timeline
2022: Haven Energy launched in California.
Over the coming weeks: Outreach to select income-eligible customers begins.
Spring 2027: Initial battery installations are targeted to begin.
10 years: Haven Energy owns and maintains the batteries.
Roadmap
The BackupBattery+ pilot extends National Grid's ConnectedSolutions statewide customer flexibility program, which already includes thousands of home batteries. It tests whether coordinated home batteries in one community can serve as a complement to traditional grid investments.
Income-eligible Fall River households may receive a free home battery providing at least four hours of backup power during outages. Participants will have batteries owned and maintained by Haven Energy for 10 years.
The takeaway
Eligible Fall River residents can check whether they qualify for a no-cost home battery that provides backup power during outages. Program results will show whether coordinated home batteries can help ease grid strain in other communities.
What happens next
Initial battery installations are targeted to begin in spring 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Utilities coverage from the Fall River area.
More information
Learn more about eligibility on the BackupBattery+ program information from National Grid page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Herald News.
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