Houston – When the lights go out during a Texas storm, most of us stay home and wait it out. But for first responders, that’s when the real work begins. While they’re out protecting others, they’re often leaving their own families in the dark. Literally.
That’s where Base Power steps in.
This Austin-based energy startup is disrupting the way Texans stay powered up, offering smart battery systems that automatically kick in during outages and help reduce energy bills year-round. Designed to be safer, quieter, and more affordable than gas generators, Base Power is on a mission to bring backup energy to homes across the state.
And now, they’re stepping up for the people who step up for us through a new First Responder Program that donates home battery systems to Texas firefighters, paramedics, and other front-line workers.
Because if it’s good enough for first responders, it’s good enough for everyday Texans.
🏡 A Power Boost for a Cypress First Responder Family
In Cypress, Texas, John and Lindsey Nanninga know this reality all too well. John is a radio technician with the Spring Fire Department. Lindsey is a community health paramedic with Harris County Emergency Corps. Together, they’ve worked through some of Texas’s most intense storms - Hurricane Harvey, Winter Storm Uri, and most recently, Hurricane Beryl - all while raising three kids and caring for their two dogs.
During one major outage, the family had to evacuate and live out of their camper, hooked up to a friend’s power. They continued responding to emergencies while worrying about their own home and children left in the dark.
“It’s stressful,” John shared. “You’re out there responding to a large-scale event, and in the back of your mind, you’re hoping everything is still okay at home.”
That stress is exactly what Base Power hopes to eliminate.
The company selected the Nanningas to receive one of the first installations through its First Responder Program. On install day, a sleek backup battery was connected to their home, just in time for peak hurricane season.
🔋 More Than a Generator: Smart, Safe, and Seamless
Before Base Power, the Nanningas had tried a portable gas generator, but it had limitations.
“It only powered part of the house,” Lindsey said. “And when John wasn’t home, it was up to me to start it and keep it fueled. During Beryl, gas stations were packed, and the lines were so long. That adds a lot of stress during a time that’s already chaotic.”
Beyond inconvenience, there were real safety concerns. As a paramedic, Lindsey has responded to calls involving carbon monoxide poisoning from improperly used generators.
“You fall asleep, and it can be a tragic outcome,” she said. “This battery system is a safer option for our kids, our animals - for all of us.”
Now, with the Base battery installed, the system switches on automatically when the grid goes down. No fuel. No noise. No danger.
🧠 Powered by Texas Innovation
Base Power was founded by Zach Dell, the Texas-born and raised son of tech giant Michael Dell, with a mission to modernize home energy in Texas. On Houston Life, Zach explained how the technology works:
“When the grid is up, our batteries help stabilize it during peak demand. When the grid goes down, the battery automatically backs up your home,” he said. “And because we’re supporting the grid on the backend, we’re able to lower your monthly energy bill by 10 to 20 percent.”
Everything is engineered and designed by a Texas-based team with deep roots in tech and energy innovation. Dell emphasized that Base Power isn’t just another utility company, it’s a tech-forward solution built for real-life Texans.
💛 Peace of Mind for Those Who Protect Us
For John and Lindsey, the system means more than convenience - it means confidence.
“This brings peace of mind,” John said. “Knowing my family is safe while I’m out serving the community… it’s one less thing to worry about.”
Lindsey added, “We spend so much of our time helping others. It means a lot to know a company like Base Power is thinking about families like ours.”
⚡ Want to See If Your Home Qualifies?
Base Power is now serving homeowners across Texas - including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Waller counties- and the company is expanding quickly.
✅ If you’re a first responder, you may qualify for a donated system through the First Responder Program.
✅ If you’re a homeowner looking for reliable, storm-ready power, Base Power offers affordable installations and plans with long-term savings.
🔗 Visit: basepowercompany.com
📞 Call: (512) 518-1009
📧 First responder? Email firstresponders@basepowercompany.com