What is Energy Storage Solutions?

Energy Storage Solutions is a Connecticut incentive program that helps Eversource and UI customers install battery storage at their home. It is overseen by PURA, funded by ratepayers, and administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, and UI. Beyond backup power during outages, the batteries enrolled in the program also help lower demand on the electric grid, which helps keep energy costs down for everyone, not just program participants.

What can I earn through the program — upfront and over time?

There are two types of incentives. An enrollment incentive reduces your upfront purchase or lease cost: $30 per kWh of battery capacity for standard customers, or $130 per kWh for Grid-Edge customers. A performance incentive pays out twice a year for up to 10 years, based on how much energy your battery contributes to the grid during dispatch events: $300/kW for standard residential customers, $450/kW for Underserved Community customers, and $550/kW for Low-Income customers. For a personalized number based on your specific battery size and customer class, use the Incentive Estimate Calculator, which reflects the rates effective April 1, 2026.

What happens during a dispatch (peak) event?

On days when the grid is under heavy demand, typically hot summer afternoons or cold winter days, the utility calls a dispatch event and draws stored energy from your battery for a few hours. You will usually get about 24 hours notice, and you generally do not need to do anything — your system responds automatically. Batteries are never dispatched in the two days before a predicted storm, so your backup power stays available when you need it most.

What is a Grid-Edge customer?

Grid-Edge customers are those on the electric circuits that have experienced the most frequent and longest outages during major storms since July 2012 — specifically, the top 10% of circuits by outage frequency and the top 10% by outage duration. These customers qualify for a higher enrollment incentive ($130/kWh) because their homes benefit especially from added resilience.

What Fortress Power products are eligible for the program?

Fortress Power is on the program Eligible Equipment List for residential and small business systems, including the eForce (9.6 kWh), eFlex (5.4 kWh), eBoost (16 kWh), eVault Max (18.5 kWh), and Avalon High Voltage system. Fortress Power equipment is currently eligible only within Eversource territory — check the full Eligible Equipment List for the most current status.

Does Fortress Power take a cut of my Performance Based Incentive?

No. Some manufacturers subtract a portion of your Performance Based Incentive to cover the cost of managing dispatch, in some cases as much as 20%. Fortress Power does not subtract any fee from your Performance Based Incentive, so you keep the full incentive amount your battery earns.

Connecticut Energy Storage Solutions Program

Leverage rebates and incentives to reduce your cost to acquire backup power.

What Is the Energy Storage Solutions program?

Energy Storage Solutions is a state-sponsored incentive program from the Connecticut Green Bank and administered by Eversource and UI. Designed to make battery storage more affordable and accessible for homeowners, the program offers upfront incentives to reduce the cost of installing a battery, plus performance-based incentives for helping to support the electric grid during periods of high demand. These incentives can significantly lower the overall cost of battery systems and create ongoing value for homeowners.

Participants receive an upfront payment based on the size and configuration of their battery system. Additionally, enrolled systems can earn ongoing payments for allowing limited access to stored energy during grid stress events—typically just a few hours during hot summer days. Homeowners maintain full control over their systems, and participation is voluntary and flexible. Energy Storage Solutions helps homeowners increase their energy independence, protect against outages, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Program Incentives

Upfront Enrollment Incentive

The calculation of the upfront incentive is primarily based on the usable energy capacity (kWh) of the battery energy storage system (BESS).

$30 / kWh

Standard Residential Customers

$130 / kWh

Grid-Edge customers (customers who experience more frequent power outages than average)

Ongoing Performance Incentives

Performance-based incentives are paid to customers twice annually based on their performance during individual discharge events that help reduce demand on the electric grid.

$300 / kW

Standard Residential Customers

$450 / kW

Underserved Residential Customers

$550 / kW

Low-Income Residential Customers

How to Participate

Select an installer through Energy Storage Solutions Eligible Contractors list. Eligible installers have met program guidelines to participate in the program, however, the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource and UI do not warrant their work and customers should conduct their own due diligence and get multiple bids.
Your system is installed with a qualifying Fortress Power battery, inverter, and Guardian device.
After the installation is complete, enroll in the Energy Storage Solutions program using the Fortress Power EnergyBroker program application. Your installer will also have to complete some paperwork.
Connecticut Green Bank and your utility provider confirm your battery is operating correctly.
Connecticut Green Bank will issue payment of the Enrollment Incentive once the Completion Application is approved. Performance-based incentives are paid to customers twice annually.

Helpful Links

Energy Storage Solutions Eligible Contractor List

Energy Storage Solutions Incentive Estimate Calculator

Energy Storage Solutions Homeowner FAQ

Energy Storage Solutions Program Changes (Effective April 1, 2026)

Connecticut Green Bank Information

Eversource Information

United Illuminating Information

EnergyBroker Application

How the Program Works Once Your System is Installed

System Monitoring

The battery storage system needs to be installed in a location with an internet service so Connecticut Green Bank and your utility provider can monitor your system. The Guardian Gateway or Dongle is required to program communications. You can see the same information using the Fortress Power Owner App.

Battery Dispatch

An active dispatch event takes stored energy from the battery and puts it into the grid. Active events may occur any day during the summer season (June – September) and winter season (December – March) within the dispatch window of 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The standard event duration is expected to last 3 hours.

Fortress Power Example System

Each Fortress Power system is designed to provide reliable backup power while maximizing financial incentives. Below, you’ll find an example setup showcasing one of our energy storage solutions, along with the estimated savings. This example includes the system’s MSRP and the potential incentives over a ten-year period, helping you see the real financial benefits of energy storage. Additional systems are also eligible, please contact us for further details.

To figure out potential savings on other systems, use the Energy Storage Solutions Incentive Estimate Calculator.

The Jacobs Family was tired of the high utility bills and grid instability in their town of Hartford. They paired a Fortress Power 48V system with their solar panels and took advantage of multiple incentives and rebates.

Eligibility

Eversource or United Illuminating Customers
May not use the battery system for any controls other than providing backup power for the customer’s premises.
Have a reliable internet connection
Own the following hardware: