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BYOB. No, not that kind.
In this case, Bring Your Own Battery (BYOB) is a new energy demand response program launched by NYSERDA and New York utilities that will impact anyone who owns (or is considering installing) a home battery system.
If you’re exploring battery storage or already have one installed, here’s what this program means for you.
What Is the Bring Your Own Battery (BYOB) Program?
The BYOB program allows New York utility companies to temporarily draw stored energy from enrolled residential-scale batteries during periods of peak electricity demand.
In return, homeowners (and small businesses) are compensated for participating.
This program helps:
- Reduce stress on New York’s electric grid
- Lower the risk of blackouts or brownouts (temporary power reductions caused by high demand) during the season of peak energy demand (May through September)
- Support statewide clean energy goals
- Create a financial benefit for battery owners
It’s one of the first large-scale efforts in New York to use distributed residential battery storage as a grid resource.
Who Does the BYOB Program Apply To?
The program applies to:
✔ Homeowners installing a new battery system
If you want to receive the NYSERDA residential battery storage incentive, enrollment in your utility’s BYOB program is required (with limited-time exceptions noted below).
✔ Existing battery owners
If you’ve already received your NYSERDA grant, enrollment is optional, but it’s an opportunity to earn additional value from your system while supporting grid resiliency.
How New York's BYOB Program Works
Step 1: Enrollment
Enrollment is completed directly through your battery manufacturer (or OEM, original equipment manufacturer), not through GreenSpark or the utility.
GreenSpark will guide you, but enrollment takes place within your battery app.
Step 2: Utility Call Events
During peak demand season (May 1 through September 30), your utility may initiate “call events.”
During these events, a portion of your stored battery energy is discharged to the grid.
Things to note:
- The number of events per year is limited
- The duration of each event is limited
- Utilities will avoid initiating call events when there is potential for an upcoming power outage (to prevent battery owners from being unable to use their stored energy as backup power)
- You may opt out of individual events or opt out of the program at any time
Each utility has outlined its expected number of call events and event duration in the chart below, shared during NYSERDA’s program announcement webinar.
Step 3: Annual Compensation
Homeowners are compensated once per year based on the following formula:
Average annualized event performance × $50 per kW
Here’s an example of how your total annual compensation is calculated.
In a single 3-hour event, your battery discharges:
- 3 kW in hour one
- 2 kW in hour two
- 4 kW in hour three
Your average event performance for this event = (3 + 2 + 4) ÷ 3 = 3 kW
Now, let’s say your battery was discharged for a total of five events throughout the year, with the following average event performances:
Event 1 | Event 2 | Event 3 | Event 4 | Event 5 |
3 kW | 5 kW | 4 kW | 5kW | 3kW |
Your annualized event performance = (3+5+4+5+3) ÷ 5 = 4 kW
Based on this, your total compensation for the year = 4 kW × $50/kW = $200
NOTE: If you opt out of the program or specific call events, your event performance for each event you’ve opted out of will be 0kW, which will affect your annualized event performance and final payout.
Important Dates & Eligibility
- Effective April 1, 2026: Enrollment is required to receive the NYSERDA battery incentive.
The exception: If you are purchasing a battery from an OEM that is not yet enrolled in your utility’s BYOB program, you can still receive the grant without BYOB program enrollment up until June 1, 2026.
You can check to see if the battery you’re purchasing (or already own) is enrolled by checking your utility’s program page linked below:
- After June 1, 2026: Only batteries from participating OEMs will qualify for incentives.
If you’re currently shopping for a battery, this is important to consider when making your decision, and GreenSpark will help you navigate this process.
BYOB FAQs for New York Homeowners and Small Businesses
No. Enrollment is voluntary.
However, if you’re installing a new battery and want to receive the NYSERDA battery incentive, enrollment is required after April 1, 2026 (with limited exceptions through June 1, 2026).
You may opt out of the program, or opt out of specific call events, at any time.
Yes. Enrollment is based on the battery size. If your business owns or is planning to purchase a residential-sized system, you are eligible to enroll in this program.
No. Solar is not required to enroll in BYOB.
Utilities have provided assurance they are implementing safeguards to ensure battery owners are not left without backup power. Many programs state batteries will not be discharged:
- During predicted extreme weather events
- Within two days of forecasted storms
Utilities also state that enrollees can opt out of specific call events or the program altogether at any time.
You enroll directly through your battery manufacturer’s app. GreenSpark will help answer questions and walk you through it.
No. You can only participate in one battery demand response program at a time.
Compensation is issued once per year by your battery manufacturer or utility, depending on the specifications of your program.
There is no explicit payout cap, but your total payout is based on average event performance, which is then annualized (averaged across all call events), so most enrollees will see a $150-$180 payout per year.
NOTE: This program is brand new and subject to change. Please check with your utility or your GreenSpark sales representative (for new customers) to confirm the latest guidelines.
Is the BYOB Program Right for You?
BYOB is New York’s first major step toward using residential batteries to strengthen the grid.
For homeowners and small businesses, it offers:
- An additional return on your battery investment
- A way to support grid stability
- A role in advancing clean energy across the state
That said, everyone’s situation is different.
If you’re considering battery storage or wondering how BYOB impacts your current system, our team can help you weigh the pros and cons and determine what makes the most sense for your goals.
