Evergy Energy’s Missouri Efficiency Programs: Why a Whole-Home Battery Backup is Essential
- Mobius Power Home
- Oct 29, 2024
- 14 min read
Evergy Energy Missouri Efficiency Programs
Missouri homeowners, like many others around the country, are looking for ways to save on energy costs as rates continue to climb. For residents served by Evergy Energy, the good news is that Evergy has developed a variety of programs aimed at helping customers reduce their energy use and maximize savings.
Evergy’s energy efficiency initiatives cover everything from discounted rates during off-peak hours to rebates on energy-efficient appliances, and even in-depth energy audits to help homeowners identify specific opportunities for cutting costs. Each of these programs provides unique benefits, but to make the most of them, it’s important to understand how they work and how they can fit into your home energy plan.
One particularly effective way to amplify the benefits of these programs is by combining them with a whole-home battery backup system. While efficiency upgrades like LED lighting or smart thermostats are helpful, a battery backup system offers something unique: the ability to store energy when rates are low and use it when prices spike.
In this way, a battery system can help Evergy customers take full advantage of the company’s Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, which offer steep discounts during off-peak hours. By charging the battery during these low-cost periods, homeowners can then rely on stored energy when rates go up during peak times, drastically reducing the amount they spend on electricity.
From understanding how TOU rates work to exploring rebate options and smart thermostat programs, we’ll cover all the essentials. But ultimately, we’ll dive into why a whole-home battery backup system may be the single best way to optimize these savings and protect yourself from rising energy costs.
With the right strategy, Missouri homeowners can take control of their energy use, lower their monthly bills, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future—starting right at home. So let’s explore how Evergy’s programs can work for you and why a battery backup might just be the game-changer you’re looking for.
Overview of Evergy Energy Efficiency Programs
To help Missouri residents make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce electricity bills, Evergy Energy offers a range of efficiency programs. These programs are crafted to suit different needs, allowing customers to save money, reduce energy usage, and even become more sustainable. Below, we’ll explore Evergy’s top efficiency initiatives, including their Time-of-Use (TOU) rate structure, energy rebates and incentives, smart thermostat programs, and comprehensive home energy audits.
Each program provides unique benefits on its own, but by understanding how they work together, customers can identify the best way to maximize their savings. Here's a detailed breakdown of each of these offerings:
Key Efficiency Programs Offered by Evergy Energy
Program | Description | Potential Benefits |
Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates | Adjusts energy prices based on demand, offering cheaper rates at off-peak times | Lower energy costs by shifting high-use activities to off-peak times |
Energy Rebates & Incentives | Financial incentives for purchasing energy-efficient products (lighting, HVAC, appliances) | Reduces upfront costs, offering long-term savings with lower bills |
Smart Thermostat Programs | Discounted smart thermostats to help control heating and cooling usage automatically | Reduces heating/cooling costs, provides greater control during peak demand |
Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates
The Time-of-Use (TOU) rate structure is one of the most straightforward ways Evergy helps homeowners save. It’s based on a concept that rewards people for using electricity during “off-peak” hours, which typically occur when demand is lower. This structure not only helps stabilize the grid but also benefits customers who can adjust their energy usage patterns.
TOU Rate Breakdown:
Off-Peak Hours: 6 AM to 4 PM
During these hours, electricity rates are considerably lower, making it an ideal time to run large appliances, charge electric vehicles, or, most effectively, charge a home battery backup system.
On-Peak Hours: 4 PM to 8 PM
Energy demand is at its highest during these hours, so rates increase. With a whole-home battery, customers can rely on stored energy instead of paying the higher rates.
Super-Off Peak Hours 12 AM to 6 AM
The perfect time during the day to charge whole-home batteries with super cheap electricity
Example TOU Rate Table:
Time Period | Rate (¢ per kWh) |
Off-Peak | 11.9 |
On-Peak | 35.8 |
Super-Off Peak | 2.9 |
By charging a battery backup during off-peak hours, homeowners can avoid these high on-peak costs entirely, using stored energy instead of drawing from the grid.
Rebates & Incentives
Evergy’s rebates and incentives programs are designed to make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable by offering financial discounts on items that reduce energy use. Whether it's efficient lighting, HVAC systems, or major appliances, Evergy’s rebate programs support upgrades that not only cut energy costs but also contribute to a more sustainable home environment.
Examples of Current Rebates:
Smart Thermostats: Up to a $100 rebate on select models.
HVAC Systems: Rebates ranging from $150 to $500 for upgrading to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Discounts on LED bulbs, which last longer and consume less energy than traditional lighting.
Here’s a closer look at the potential annual savings from Evergy’s rebates for common upgrades:
Upgrade | Estimated Annual Savings (USD) | Rebate Amount (USD) | Payback Period (Years) |
Smart Thermostat | $100 | $100 | 1 year |
High-Efficiency HVAC | $150–$200 | $150–$500 | 2–3 years |
LED Lighting | $20–$30 per bulb | Discounted price | Immediate |
By taking advantage of these rebates, homeowners can save money on their upgrades and continue saving through reduced monthly bills over time.
With Evergy’s comprehensive lineup of efficiency programs, Missouri residents can save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. From shifting usage to off-peak hours with TOU rates to upgrading appliances with rebates, Evergy’s offerings cater to a range of homeowner needs. However, for those looking to maximize these programs, the next section explores how adding a whole-home battery backup system could be the key to taking these savings to the next level.
How Whole-Home Battery Backup Fits into Evergy’s Efficiency Programs
While Evergy’s energy efficiency programs offer excellent ways to save money and reduce energy use, adding a whole-home battery backup system can amplify these benefits. A battery backup system stores energy during low-cost, off-peak hours and makes it available when rates peak, which is an ideal setup for homes on Evergy’s Time-of-Use (TOU) plan. This section explores how a whole-home battery fits seamlessly into Evergy’s programs, offering maximum control over energy use, minimizing reliance on high-rate electricity, and adding backup power during outages.
Whole-Home Battery Backup: A Quick Overview
A whole-home battery backup system stores electricity from the grid (or a solar power system, if available) and provides power to the home as needed. Unlike portable generators, which often require fuel, batteries recharge from the electric grid or solar panels, making them more sustainable and convenient. Here’s a quick look at how these systems work in tandem with Evergy’s TOU rates:
Charging During Off-Peak Hours: A whole-home battery can be set to charge when Evergy’s rates are lowest, typically between 12 AM and 6 AM.
Powering the Home During Peak Hours: During Evergy’s high-rate hours (4 PM - 8 PM), the battery can supply power to the home, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need to draw from the grid at the most expensive times.
Emergency Backup Power: In the event of a power outage, the battery can supply power to critical systems, offering peace of mind and comfort during storms or grid failures.
Financial Benefits of Using a Whole-Home Battery with TOU Rates
By charging the battery during low-cost periods and using stored energy during peak-rate times, homeowners can enjoy substantial savings on their monthly electric bill. Here’s a breakdown of how the TOU rate structure, paired with a battery, translates to monthly savings for typical household energy usage.
Example Monthly Cost Comparison (Without vs. With Battery Backup)
Scenario | Daily On-Peak Usage | Daily Off-Peak Usage | Monthly Cost Without Battery (USD) | Monthly Cost With Battery (USD) | Monthly Savings (USD) |
High-Usage Household | 20 kWh | 30 kWh | $306 | $97 | $209 |
Average-Usage Household | 15 kWh | 20 kWh | $223 | $52 | $171 |
Low-Usage Household | 10 kWh | 15 kWh | $150 | $22 | $128 |
Environmental Benefits and Grid Stability
Whole-home battery backup systems also provide indirect benefits to the grid and the environment. By reducing on-peak demand, batteries help ease the stress on the power grid during high-demand hours, which supports grid stability and can potentially reduce the frequency of rate increases.
Additionally, storing off-peak energy when more renewable resources like wind power are often contributing to the grid can mean a cleaner energy profile for battery users.
Key Environmental Benefits:
Reduces Carbon Footprint: By relying on stored energy during peak times, when the grid is likely powered by fossil fuels, battery users indirectly reduce their carbon footprint.
Supports Renewable Energy Integration: Using off-peak hours to charge batteries often aligns with times when renewable energy is more readily available, such as overnight wind generation.
Promotes a Balanced Energy Grid: By shifting demand away from peak hours, battery owners contribute to a more stable and resilient grid, which benefits all users.
Maximizing Evergy’s TOU Program with Battery Storage
With Evergy’s TOU program, homeowners have a unique opportunity to use energy smarter rather than simply reducing usage. Here’s how a whole-home battery can help maximize the financial benefits of TOU rates:
Complete Peak Shaving: Instead of partially reducing peak use, a whole-home battery can eliminate it by fully powering the home during on-peak hours.
Load Shifting for Greater Savings: Batteries allow homeowners to shift energy load completely to cheaper, off-peak hours. For example, charging the battery overnight enables a “load shift” where all high-use activities, like laundry or charging devices, can occur during high-cost times without drawing from the grid.
Increased Savings During Seasonal Rate Changes: TOU rates often vary seasonally, with higher rates in summer. A battery system ensures that these higher peak rates can be avoided, leading to additional savings during peak seasons.
Example Scenario: Summer Load Shifting with a BatteryIn Missouri, where Evergy operates, summer rates peak as demand for air conditioning rises. A whole-home battery can provide an estimated 50%–60% reduction in peak-hour costs by powering cooling systems during these periods. This ensures homeowners avoid Evergy’s higher summer peak rates while staying cool and comfortable.
Flexibility and Long-Term Financial Benefits
Whole-home batteries also offer long-term flexibility and value for Evergy customers. While one-time upgrades like efficient lighting or HVAC systems provide savings, a battery can continuously adapt to changing rates and even support future renewable energy additions.
Long-Term Benefits of Whole-Home Batteries:
Flexibility to Adjust as Rates Change: Unlike fixed upgrades, a battery system remains valuable as rates and TOU schedules change, ensuring it remains a useful cost-saving tool.
Potential for Grid Program Participation: As Evergy develops more energy efficiency programs, battery owners may be able to participate in future demand response or energy-sharing programs, offering even more ways to save.
Higher Return on Investment (ROI): Battery systems typically have a long lifespan (10–15 years) with decreasing costs for battery technology, making them a strong financial investment.
Evergy’s TOU rate plan pairs exceptionally well with whole-home battery systems, allowing Missouri residents to maximize energy savings while supporting the grid and environment. By charging during low-cost, off-peak hours and using stored power during peak periods, homeowners can avoid high-rate electricity and reduce monthly bills.
Advantages of Whole-Home Battery Over Other Efficiency Solutions
While Evergy’s energy efficiency programs provide Missouri residents with various cost-saving options, whole-home battery backup stands out as a unique solution for maximizing these benefits. Unlike one-time upgrades, such as LED lighting or HVAC improvements, a whole-home battery offers ongoing financial, operational, and environmental advantages.
By allowing homeowners to store low-cost energy and avoid peak rates, batteries provide more flexibility, long-term savings, and resilience compared to other efficiency measures. Here’s an in-depth look at the unique benefits of whole-home battery backup in comparison with other efficiency solutions.
Reliable Backup During Power Outages
A whole-home battery not only helps with managing electricity costs but also provides critical backup power during outages. As storms and extreme weather events become more frequent, having a reliable power source that automatically switches on can be a lifesaver. In comparison, standard efficiency upgrades like smart thermostats or energy-efficient lighting offer no power security.
Key Benefits of Battery Backup in Power Outages:
Instantaneous Activation: In the event of a grid failure, battery systems switch to stored power seamlessly, often within milliseconds.
Essential Power for Critical Devices: Whole-home batteries can keep key systems running—like refrigerators, medical devices, and heating or cooling systems—during an outage, ensuring both comfort and safety.
Reduced Generator Reliance: Unlike fuel-powered generators, batteries offer quiet, emission-free backup, reducing environmental impact and eliminating fuel storage needs.
Example Impact: The average Missouri household experiences about 3–4 power outages per year, often due to severe storms. With a whole-home battery backup, homeowners can avoid the disruptions and costs associated with extended outages, from food spoilage to temporary accommodation expenses.
Superior Return on Investment (ROI)
Whole-home battery systems can yield a high ROI when paired with Evergy’s TOU rates. While smart thermostats and LED lights offer savings through reduced energy use, batteries enable “load shifting,” which directly lowers monthly bills by avoiding peak rates entirely. Batteries also have a longer lifespan than some other efficiency upgrades, often lasting 10–15 years.
ROI Comparison Table:
Efficiency Solution | Average Initial Cost (USD) | Potential Annual Savings (USD) | Estimated ROI (Years) |
Whole-Home Battery System | $10,000–$15,000 | $900 - $2,500 | 5-8 |
Smart Thermostat | $200–$300 | $100–$150 | 2–3 |
LED Lighting | $2–$5 per bulb | $20–$30 per bulb | 1–2 |
Whole-home batteries offer a significant ROI, particularly for households that can fully utilize TOU rates and avoid peak prices. Additionally, as battery costs continue to decline, the financial return on battery investment is expected to improve, making them an increasingly valuable choice for Evergy customers.
Long-Term Value and Flexibility
One of the standout benefits of a whole-home battery is its flexibility to adapt to changes in Evergy’s rate structures or future efficiency programs. Unlike fixed upgrades like an HVAC system, a battery backup can continue to adapt and provide savings as energy prices fluctuate. For instance, if Evergy adjusts its TOU rate schedule, a battery backup can still align with new off-peak periods, ensuring savings.
Advantages of Flexibility:
Adapts to Rate Changes: If peak times shift, the battery’s charge schedule can be adjusted to match, maintaining its cost-saving advantage.
Supports Additional Renewables: For those who may add solar panels in the future, the battery serves as an essential component for maximizing solar energy, storing surplus power for use when needed.
Expandable Capacity: Many battery systems offer expandable options, allowing homeowners to increase storage capacity over time as their energy needs or savings goals evolve.
Higher Savings During Time-of-Use Rate Peaks
Unlike other efficiency upgrades, a battery specifically targets high-cost peak hours. During peak times, when Evergy’s rates can rise sharply, a battery allows homeowners to avoid these increased costs by using stored, low-cost energy. For example, an efficient HVAC system can help reduce energy use, but it still relies on grid power, meaning that even an upgraded system will incur higher costs during peak hours.
Example Savings During Peak Hours:
TOU Peak Savings: A battery enables full independence from grid power during peak times, meaning users can completely bypass the 35¢ per kWh peak rate and instead draw from stored energy charged at the 2.9¢ per kWh off-peak rate.
Seasonal Peak Avoidance: In summer, when peak rates are highest due to increased cooling demand, a battery can lead to even greater savings by allowing households to rely on stored energy during the hottest hours of the day.
Compared to other efficiency solutions, a whole-home battery backup offers superior savings, greater flexibility, and additional benefits like outage protection and environmental impact. By supporting on-demand energy needs and adapting to TOU rates, a battery system is a valuable long-term investment for Evergy customers looking to make the most of their efficiency options.
Choosing the Right Whole-Home Battery System for Evergy Customers
For Missouri homeowners looking to maximize their savings with Evergy’s efficiency programs, selecting the right whole-home battery backup system is crucial. While a wide variety of battery systems are available on the market, not all are created equal in terms of storage capacity, durability, and compatibility with utility programs like Evergy’s TOU rates. This section covers essential considerations, popular battery options, and tips for successful installation.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Battery System
When evaluating battery systems, there are several critical factors that Evergy customers should consider to ensure they choose a battery setup that meets their energy needs and maximizes savings:
Storage Capacity (kWh): The battery’s storage capacity determines how much energy it can hold. A larger capacity is ideal for homes that want to power more appliances or sustain the home through longer peak periods.
Standard Range: Whole-home battery capacities typically range from 10 kWh to 20 kWh, with larger systems supporting additional battery modules for increased storage.
Sizing for Evergy’s TOU Plan: To cover the 4-hour peak period from 4 PM to 8 PM, a system around 10–15 kWh is generally sufficient for average household use.
Power Output (kW): This metric indicates how much power the battery can deliver at one time. Higher output is necessary for running multiple or high-demand appliances simultaneously.
Typical Range: Most whole-home batteries offer between 5 kW and 10 kW of continuous power, enough for essentials like lighting, refrigeration, and a few additional appliances.
Cycle Life: Cycle life refers to the number of charge-discharge cycles a battery can complete before its capacity significantly degrades. A longer cycle life extends the battery’s lifespan.
Expected Cycle Life: High-quality batteries, like those from Tesla or Generac, offer 5,000–6,000 cycles, translating to a lifespan of around 10–15 years with daily use.
Compatibility with Renewable Energy: For those interested in pairing a battery with solar panels, it’s important to choose a system that can easily integrate with solar inverters and capture excess solar energy.
Direct Solar Compatibility: Some batteries, like the Tesla Powerwall, are AC-coupled, making them ideal for homes with existing solar systems.
Tips for Selecting and Installing a Battery System
Assess Your Energy Needs: Calculate your daily energy use, especially during peak times, to select a battery that can meet your specific requirements. Evergy customers can use recent utility bills to identify peak-period consumption and size a battery system that covers these needs.
Evaluate Installer Experience: Battery installation requires certified electricians familiar with home energy systems. Look for installers with experience in both whole-home battery systems and Evergy’s rate programs to ensure optimal setup.
Check for Rebates or Incentives: While Evergy does not currently offer direct battery rebates, federal and state incentives may be available. For example, the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can offset up to 26% of the battery installation cost if the battery is charged primarily by solar power.
Ensure Proper Positioning and Space Requirements: Batteries are typically wall-mounted in garages or basements. Verify that your installation space meets size and ventilation requirements to ensure safety and efficiency.
Maintenance and Monitoring: Many battery systems come with mobile apps or web platforms to monitor battery health, usage, and charge levels in real time. Staying aware of performance trends can help extend the battery’s life and keep energy use optimized.
Maximizing Evergy’s TOU Benefits with the Right Battery System
Once installed, the battery system can be programmed to automatically charge during Evergy’s off-peak hours (typically 12 AM to 6 AM) and discharge during peak periods (4 PM to 8 PM). Here’s how Evergy customers can further enhance savings with a smart usage approach:
Automatic Charge Scheduling: Set the system to charge only during designated low-cost hours to avoid any inadvertent grid usage during peak times.
Seasonal Adjustments: Peak demand hours can change with the seasons, so adjusting the charge-discharge schedule as needed will ensure savings are consistent year-round.
Solar Pairing for Increased Savings: For those with solar panels, use the battery to store excess solar generation during the day and discharge it during peak evening hours, minimizing grid reliance entirely.
Selecting the right battery and following a strategic installation process can make all the difference in maximizing the benefits of Evergy’s TOU rates. With the right system in place, Missouri homeowners can enjoy both lower monthly bills and a more resilient power supply, ensuring savings and peace of mind.
Wrap Up
Evergy Energy’s efficiency programs offer Missouri residents a range of tools to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. From Time-of-Use (TOU) rates that reward off-peak electricity use to rebates for energy-efficient appliances and smart thermostat programs, Evergy’s initiatives provide multiple ways to save. However, to fully optimize these savings and create a resilient energy solution, a whole-home battery backup system stands out as the best option.
Why a Whole-Home Battery Backup is the Best Choice
Whole-home battery backup systems provide unique advantages that elevate them above other efficiency measures. Here’s why:
Direct Cost Savings: By storing electricity when Evergy’s rates are lowest and using it during peak times, battery systems reduce or even eliminate the need to pay high-rate prices. This load-shifting capability results in significant monthly savings, making it a perfect pairing with Evergy’s TOU plan.
Enhanced Resilience and Peace of Mind: Unlike other upgrades, a whole-home battery offers backup power during outages, keeping essential systems running and providing comfort and safety during storms or grid failures.
Long-Term Value and Flexibility: A battery backup adapts to changing rates and can integrate with solar power, making it a future-proof investment that pays dividends for years.
Making the Most of Evergy’s Programs
By choosing a whole-home battery system, Missouri homeowners can enjoy peak shaving and load shifting, two techniques that provide substantial savings under Evergy’s TOU rate plan. Here’s a quick guide to putting these strategies into action:
Peak Shaving: Program the battery to cover peak-hour electricity needs, completely eliminating grid dependence during Evergy’s highest-rate hours.
Load Shifting: Set up an automated charge-discharge schedule that fills the battery during low-cost, off-peak hours and draws from it during on-peak times.
Pairing with Solar: For even greater savings and independence, pair the battery with a solar system, storing excess solar power for use in the evenings when TOU rates peak.
Ready to Take Control of Your Energy Use?
For Missouri homeowners, Evergy’s efficiency programs and TOU rates offer a valuable pathway to energy savings. But with a whole-home battery backup, you can unlock even greater financial and operational benefits. By choosing a system that fits your energy needs, installing it properly, and managing it smartly, you’ll be prepared to make the most of these programs.
Start exploring your options today: Reach out to Mobius Power Home to see how a battery can enhance your home’s energy efficiency. With a whole-home battery system, you’re not only investing in lower bills but also in a more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready home.
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