A new California Senate bill, SB 913, could allow homeowners with batteries like Tesla Powerwall to earn money by selling stored energy to the grid during peak demand. If passed in May 2026, it may reshape home energy storage into an income-generating asset.
A new California Senate bill, SB 913, could allow homeowners with batteries like Tesla Powerwall to earn money by selling stored energy to the grid during peak demand. If passed in May 2026, it may reshape home energy storage into an income-generating asset.
What is SB 913?
Introduced by Senator Catherine Blakespear, SB 913 requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to create a regulatory framework that treats home batteries as distributed generation assets. In simple terms, homeowners could sell stored energy back to the grid when electricity prices are high, turning a backup device into an investment tool.
How will homeowners profit?
If enacted, utilities will develop voluntary programs where homeowners discharge their batteries during peak hours in exchange for direct payments or bill credits. For example, a battery might supply 5 kWh during a peak hour, and the owner receives a higher rate than the normal purchase price. This is similar to net metering for solar panels but focuses on storage.
What’s the difference from existing programs?
Current programs like Tesla’s Virtual Power Plant rely on private agreements. SB 913 would mandate utility participation, standardizing rules and expanding access to all battery owners in California, regardless of brand or provider.
Could this work outside California?
While specific to California, SB 913 could serve as a model for other markets, especially Gulf countries where summer electricity consumption peaks. If successful, regulators elsewhere might adopt similar mechanisms to incentivize home storage and reduce grid strain.
When is the vote?
The California Senate is expected to debate the bill in May 2026. If passed and signed by the governor, new programs could take 6–12 months to implement.
Key Facts
- Bill name: SB 913
- State: California
- Goal: Allow home batteries to participate in energy markets as distributed generation assets
- Sponsor: Senator Catherine Blakespear
- Expected benefit: Financial compensation for discharging battery energy during peak hours
- Expected vote: May 2026
FAQ
What is California’s SB 913 bill?
It’s a proposed law that would treat home batteries as power plants, allowing owners to sell stored energy to the grid during peak times for compensation.
How can my home battery earn me money?
Once enacted, utilities will create programs where you discharge your battery during high-demand periods and receive direct payment or a bill credit.
Does this apply outside California?
Currently, only in California. But it could inspire similar programs in other regions, including the Gulf, where peak electricity use is high in summer.
When will SB 913 be implemented if passed?
The vote is expected in May 2026. If approved, new programs may take 6–12 months to launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is California's SB 913 bill?
It's a proposed law that would treat home batteries as power plants, allowing owners to sell stored energy to the grid during peak times for compensation.
How can my home battery earn me money?
Once enacted, utilities will create programs where you discharge your battery during high-demand periods and receive direct payment or a bill credit.
Does this apply outside California?
Currently, only in California. But it could inspire similar programs in other regions, including the Gulf, where peak electricity use is high in summer.
When will SB 913 be implemented if passed?
The vote is expected in May 2026. If approved, new programs may take 6–12 months to launch.
Sources
- Electrek — New bill in California senate could turn your home battery into a moneymaker
