Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 3 hrs ago
California home batteries deliver record 745 MW to the grid
During an October heat wave, California home batteries sent a record 745 MW to the grid on October 6.
More than 85,000 Tesla Powerwall owners supplied over 600 MW, while Sunrun reported the combined total from participating batteries.
The dispatch was requested by the California Energy Commission and state utilities to help meet evening electricity demand.
Batteries discharged during peak hours, helping reduce demand and real-time power prices.
The total was 28% above the previous 580 MW record, set by the two companies less than a month earlier.
Customers are paid for taking part, and the large response shows how home batteries can support grid reliability.
Sunrun says a Google-funded project near San Jose plans to enroll nearly 21,000 devices, with initial dispatches expected this month; part of the plan remains under a non-binding agreement.
California home batteries delivered a record 745 megawatts to the grid on October 6, according to Sunrun.
More than 85,000 Tesla Powerwall owners supplied over 600 megawatts, accounting for most of the total.
The dispatch took place during an October heat wave to help meet peak demand and lower real-time power prices.
The 745-megawatt total was 28% higher than the previous record of 580 megawatts set less than a month earlier.
- Who
- Tesla Powerwall owners and Sunrun customers supplied the power.
- What
- Home batteries dispatched a record 745 megawatts to California’s grid. More than 85,000 Powerwall owners contributed over 600 megawatts.
- When
- October 6, 2026.
- Where
- California.
- Why
- The dispatch was called during an October heat wave to help meet peak demand and lower real-time power prices.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sunrun said the companies delivered 669 megawatts in a grid dispatch.
Home batteries delivered a record 745 megawatts to the grid.
Tesla Energy reported that more than 85,000 Powerwall owners dispatched over 600 megawatts.
- Record dispatch
- 745 MW
- Powerwall contribution
- More than 600 MW
- Powerwall owners participating
- More than 85,000
- Previous record
- 580 MW
- Previous record date
- Less than a month before October 6, 2026
What people are saying
a new record for the largest Powerwall VPP event
customers are being compensated for helping strengthen grid reliability