IRVING, TEXAS – Caterpillar Inc. today announced that Liberty - New Hampshire, a local electric provider, has selected Caterpillar to supply turnkey virtual power plant (VPP) solutions for Liberty’s battery storage pilot.
Under the initiative, Liberty has installed 2,600 kWh of lithium-ion battery storage at 100 homes to charge overnight when demand and rates are low, reduce peak load during times of high demand, provide battery backup for residents during power outages, and offer customers time-of-use rates.
Caterpillar’s Distributed Energy Resource Management team will manage the operation of the batteries by analyzing the energy market and then dispatching power from the batteries to maximize benefits for Liberty and its customers. Caterpillar will also provide Liberty with real-time snapshots of battery usage and performance behind the meter.
Liberty’s battery storage program was the first of its kind in New Hampshire, saving the utility more than $180,000 annually through adjusted savings in transmission costs and avoided capacity costs. Participating customers have also saved an average of $60 in monthly utility costs.
“Our battery storage pilot has confirmed the value of distributed energy resources as a viable option for reducing peak demand and moderating rates for customers,” said Heather Tebbetts, director of business planning for Liberty - New Hampshire. “Caterpillar has the technical capabilities and local expertise to provide the insights we need to drive further improvements as we prepare for future program growth.”
Caterpillar’s VPP solutions combine expert insights, managed services and cutting-edge technology to significantly enhance the operational and economic opportunities of distributed generation and storage assets.
The centerpiece of Caterpillar’s VPP portfolio is the Active Management Platform (AMP), a proven distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) that helps customers monitor, manage, and monetize power assets. The platform monitors patterns from the grid and client facilities, analyzes opportunities in energy markets, and then dispatches DERs to maximize return and monetize results without disrupting normal business operations.
“Our agreement with Liberty - New Hampshire shows how our VPP solution integrates data-driven intelligence and local market expertise to maximize performance and return on investment of power assets already in the field,” said Jaime Mineart, senior vice president of Caterpillar Electric Power.
Caterpillar delivers innovative power systems engineered for durability, reliability and value. The company offers a unique blend of advanced power technologies, data-driven insights and expert support through the Cat authorized service and dealer network.
For more information, visit cat.com/eaas.
About Liberty
Part of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., Liberty is committed to providing safe and reliable natural gas, water, and electricity distribution and services to over one million customer connections. Liberty’s utility operations are primarily located in the United States and Canada and in Chile and Bermuda. With a customer-centric approach to management, Liberty seeks to provide a superior customer experience through local management of walk-in centers, conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. We measure our performance in terms of service reliability, customer satisfaction, and public and workplace safety. Liberty’s North American distribution operations include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma and Texas in the United States, and New Brunswick in Canada.
For more information, please visit www.libertyenergyandwater.com.
About Caterpillar
With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels.
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