David Energy deploys plug-in batteries across 21 NYC commercial kitchens to slash power costs

Energy company David Energy has installed plug-in battery systems in 21 Wonder restaurant kitchens across New York City, working with the food company to cut electricity costs. The batteries are consumer-grade units that plug into standard 120-volt outlets, similar to what you'd use at home, rather than requiring the complex commercial hookups most business battery systems need. Software from David Energy charges the batteries overnight when power is cheap, then uses that stored energy to run refrigeration and cooking equipment during expensive peak hours. Because the batteries don't send power back into the grid, they skip the lengthy utility approval process that usually slows down battery installations in Con Edison's service area.

Under the deal, David Energy owns the equipment and installs it at no upfront cost to the business, recovering its investment over a 36-month contract. The combination of shifting usage to cheaper hours, cutting demand charges, and other savings brings each location's electricity bill down by 3% to 5%, with the company breaking even on its investment in about three years.

Some of these batteries also feed into two Con Edison programs, CSRP and DLRP, that pay to ease strain on the power grid during heat waves, reducing the need for backup power plants in the city. David Energy plans to build battery placement into the design of new Wonder locations opening in 2027, and is now offering the same no-upfront-cost battery setup to other New York City businesses with high power use, including laundromats, grocers, and convenience stores. This is a commercial deployment, not a residential program, but it points to plug-in battery technology becoming more common and affordable in city buildings.