Liberty - New Hampshire Selects Caterpillar to Manage and Optimize Performance of Battery Storage Pilot Program

For Worldwide Release: March 2024

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 https://www.cat.com/eaas.