Dive Brief:

• Stem is expanding into the New York energy storage market, saying it is discussions with more than 20 companies on installations that could total as much as 14 MWh across 80 locations.

• The California company expects the first installations will be at four theaters in the New York City area in as part of a New York State Energy and Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) technology commercialization program.

• The installations will use batteries controlled by Stem's software, which can learn building load patterns and shift energy usage away from times when power prices are high. 

Dive Insight:

Though not announcing any contracts yet, Stem says its expansion into the New York market will first involve projects with NYSERDA and utility Consolidated Edison. 

NYSERDA last week announced it has $15.5 million in funding available for energy storage projects. The funding is part of a wider program, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) that aims to remake the state’s electric power industry.

Stem was also one of the 10 companies picked via an auction to provide 22 MW of peak demand reduction solutions for ConEd. Under its award, Stem is installing up to 857 kW of battery storage in New York City by 2018.

Stem established itself in the California market through providing C&I power customers rate arbitrage opportunities through its integration of automated control software with behind-the-meter batteries. The storage facilities can also be tapped by utilities to offer capacity and grid services, and in 2014 Southern California Edison awarded the company an 85 MW contract to provide capacity in the Los Angeles area.  

“In New York and beyond, we’re seeing an uptick in brand name companies looking for a solution that delivers multiple economic and environmental benefits with no up-front costs or intervention in their operations,” John Carrington, Stem CEO, said in a statement.