FranklinWH Partners with Alliant Energy to Enhance Iowa's Electric Grid

In an exciting new development for energy consumers in Iowa, FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. has announced a partnership with Alliant Energy to launch the Smart Hours program. This initiative enables customers who use FranklinWH Systems to contribute to a more reliable electric grid while simultaneously earning financial rewards. The program reflects a growing trend in energy management where consumers actively participate in supporting the infrastructure that powers their homes and communities.

What is the Smart Hours Program?

The Smart Hours program is an innovative approach that rewards homeowners for allowing their residential battery systems to support the electric grid during peak electricity demand. Through this program, participating customers have the opportunity to earn up to $1,500, along with recurring annual performance payments, simply by having a FranklinWH system installed. Specifically, enrollees receive a one-time $100 incentive for every kilowatt-hour of battery capacity, with the possibility to earn additional payments based on how much stored energy they release back into the grid when needed.

Benefits for Homeowners

The appeal of the Smart Hours program is clear: not only do homeowners gain financial incentives, but they also play a vital role in enhancing grid reliability. The FranklinWH Systems automatically direct energy stored in their batteries to alleviate demand on the grid when necessary. This process requires no additional action from homeowners—they can set preferences for how much energy they wish to keep for personal use, ensuring that their homes remain powered during outages.

Vincent Ambrose, chief commercial officer of FranklinWH, emphasizes the significance of this partnership, stating, "Homeowners already rely on their FranklinWH System to keep the lights on during outages. Now, if they are also Alliant Energy customers in Iowa, they can put that same battery to work supporting the electric grid while earning financial incentives. Programs such as Smart Hours show how customers can play an active role in building a more reliable and resilient grid."

The Context of Iowa’s Energy Landscape

Interestingly, Iowa leads the nation in wind energy production, generating 63% of its electricity from this renewable source as per the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This presents a unique opportunity for programs like Smart Hours to effectively harness renewable energy and enhance its distribution across the grid. The FranklinWH Systems are designed to fit seamlessly into this landscape, further supporting the state's green initiatives.

The Role of Technology

To facilitate participation in the Smart Hours program, FranklinWH has partnered with Derapi, an energy technology firm that streamlines the enrollment process. Derapi's technology enables smooth integration between FranklinWH systems and the Smart Hours initiative, allowing homeowners to connect easily to this beneficial program.

FranklinWH's systems can participate in over 30 utility-led virtual power plant (VPP) programs across the U.S., which is indicative of their commitment to empowering homeowners. By participating in these VPP initiatives, consumers can enjoy the dual benefits of receiving payments for their participation in grid support while also retaining backup power during outages.

Looking Forward

As energy dynamics continue to evolve, initiatives like the Smart Hours program signal a shift towards more participatory energy management systems. Homeowners are increasingly being viewed as integral players in the energy ecosystem, with programs that not only benefit the grid but also provide them with economic rewards. FranklinWH’s collaboration with Alliant Energy is a testament to the exciting developments ahead in the energy sector, paving the way for enhanced reliability and sustainability in power supply.

For more information about FranklinWH and its energy storage systems, or to learn more about how you can participate in the Smart Hours program, visit www.franklinwh.com.