February 11 will mark the 178th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Edison. While I can offer no additional insights or wisdom about him, I would like to share a family story about his Edison Nickel-Iron batteries. The Edison Nickel-Iron battery is a durable, long-lasting rechargeable battery invented by Thomas Edison. Known for being tough, resistant to abuse, and having an exceptionally long lifespan, these batteries are ideal for off-grid solar and backup power.
Outside the small farming community of Idaville, Indiana, my great grandparents operated a farm growing corn and soybeans. This was in the 1920’s, decades before rural electrification would bring AC (Alternating Current) electricity to the farm. I was very fortunate to know my great grandparents and as a small boy, I loved going to the farm on Sundays.
After my great grandparents passed, my grandfather told me that he had installed Edison Nickel-Iron batteries at the farm in 1928 to provide light. His decision was driven by my great grandmother’s love of reading, which she did by kerosene lamps. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of burning kerosene is the release of toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide, which gave her terrible headaches. My parents sold the farm in the early 2000’s and ironically, today the farm is no longer growing crops, but serves as a wind farm.
I wonder what Edison would make of the latest battery technologies today. While DC (Direct Current) power is not as efficient as AC in transmission over long distances, it is more energy efficient when deployed at the load.
With the demand for electricity skyrocketing, along with the prices to support the necessary infrastructure, there is very little being said about the benefits of improving energy efficiency and grid resiliency by reducing demand using smart thermostats and batteries. The deployment of smart thermostats can reduce the load on the grid during peak periods and residential batteries can reduce the risk of grid-related outages. These resources are especially beneficial during winter, when the strain on our grid is the highest. Winter also brings higher electricity prices due to natural gas prices increasing with heating demand.
The results from our recent battery pilot program suggest that not only do thermostats and batteries reduce energy costs for BEC, but they also reduce energy costs for the member. Not to mention the security and peace of mind knowing that you are less likely to have a power outage.
I encourage you to contact BEC and learn the benefits of participating in our Smart Thermostat Program and Smart Battery Program. To learn more, give us a call at 866-226-3372.