New Battery Storage Program Provides $1,000 Rebate to Eligible Orange County Power Authority Residential Customers

Battery storage systems protect homes from power outages and strengthen the electric grid

IRVINE, Calif. (July 14, 2025) – Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), a not-for-profit community clean energy provider, is launching a community reinvestment initiative designed to help customers manage their energy consumption, reduce costs and decrease strain on the electric grid. The Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program provides OCPA customers with a $1,000 rebate for purchasing and installing a home battery storage system.

Battery storage offers a range of financial, environmental and reliability benefits for residential customers. These systems store excess renewable energy when it is abundant and energy costs are lower, and release energy during times of peak demand, keeping costs down and electricity flowing. This process, known as “load shifting,” enhances grid resilience and helps stabilize electricity prices.

Residential battery systems also provide critical backup power during outages, supporting energy independence in the face of extreme weather events or grid disruptions. On a larger scale, battery storage plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing clean energy goals.

“As a locally controlled renewable energy provider, OCPA is committed to reinvesting in our community,” said Susan Sonne, Board Chair of Orange County Power Authority. “The Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program helps customers optimize their energy use by reducing strain on the electric grid when demand is high, while also saving money during high-cost periods.”

The Residential Battery Rebate Program is available to all OCPA residential customers beginning July 14, 2025. Rebates can be applied to new stand-alone batteries or batteries paired with existing home solar. Program requirements include:

• The battery purchased must be verified by the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which can be found at https://www.selfgenca.com/home/resources/ under “Verified Equipment Lists.”
• The battery system must be permanently installed, portable systems not eligible.
• The system must serve the OCPA customer address listed on the rebate application.
• While enrollment in a demand response program is not required, OCPA encourages exploration of these options to maximize system benefits.

Visit ocpower.org/residential-battery-rebate-program to apply for a rebate and for additional information on the program.

About Orange County Power Authority

The Orange County Power Authority is a not-for-profit public agency that offers clean power at competitive rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling reinvestment in local energy programs. To learn more, visit www.ocpower.org.