Power outages can be a significant inconvenience, whether they last just a moment or extend for hours. Homeowners in Houston often face the risk of damaged electronics or even life-threatening situations during prolonged outages, especially in the sweltering heat of summer.
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Many are now exploring options to keep their homes powered during these interruptions. KPRC 2 reporter Amy Davis is looking into a new solution that not only promises to maintain power but also contributes to the energy grid.
We’ve answered your questions before about whole-home generator options. Now, there is another potential solution for families in our area.
In Richmond, Jeff Davidson experienced a recent power outage without even realizing it.
“I literally only knew about it because I got a text from Base,” Davidson said.
Just a day prior, Base Power had installed a battery backup system in his home. The Austin-based startup, which has been operating in Austin and Dallas, is now making its debut in the Houston market.
“What we saw in the market is a way to deliver backup power that is far more affordable than buying that generator,” said Justin Lopas of Base Power.
Davidson noted the high costs associated with traditional generators.
“Every time I go out to price one, I’ve probably done it three or four times in the last seven or eight years. It’s $20,000 or more if you can even get one because they were in such high demand,” he explained.
What is the cost of Base Power?
With Base Power, customers do not own or maintain the equipment. For an upfront fee of $495, Base installs a 25-kilowatt-hour battery. After the first year, customers pay $16 per month or $195 annually, in addition to their electricity costs, which currently stand at 14.3 cents per kilowatt-hour.
“The reason that works is that we own the battery, and we’re able to use it to support the grid, and that’s partially how we make money,” Lopas said.
When the power is on, Base sells electricity back to the grid, increasing supply. If an outage occurs, the battery immediately takes over, providing power to the home. Depending on usage and the number of appliances, the battery can run an average household for about 30 hours.
Davis posed a question: “For 30 hours, you could just pay for a hotel for two nights?”
While that is an option, Davidson pointed out the hassle involved in relocating.
“At the end of the day, I’m taking care of the electronics in my home because they are protected against power surges and outages,” he said.
The broader impact of these batteries is their potential to supply electricity during disasters, such as Winter Storm Uri. A network of small batteries can function as a virtual power plant, providing a more desirable alternative to large generation plants.
“It’s a much faster way to get batteries on the grid and very quickly add resiliency both to the grid and the individual home,” Lopas added.
Where Base Power is available
Base Power is already available in Magnolia, Montgomery, and other areas. You can type in your zip code on the Base Power website to find out if they are installing batteries in your area. If they are not, you can join a waitlist to get notified when they have expanded to your community.
Lopas said that there are thousands of batteries currently online in Texas, with tens of thousands of individuals on the waiting list to receive them.
Houston area zip codes that offer Base Power
West of Houston (Katy, Richmond, Cypress)
Katy Area:
- 77450 – Katy
- 77449 – Katy
- 77494 – Katy
Richmond Area:
- 77407 – Richmond
- 77406 – Richmond
- 77417 – Southwest of Richmond
- 77420 – Near Pecan Grove / East of Richmond
- 77423 – Brookshire / Southeast of Katy
- 77430 – Southeast of Katy / Brookshire
- 77435 – East of Richmond / Fulshear area
- 77441 – Fulshear / Southwest of Richmond
- 77444 – Needville (Southwest of Richmond)
- 77459 – South of Sugar Land (Missouri City)
- 77461 – Rosenberg (Southwest of Richmond)
- 77471 – Wharton area (Southwest)
- 77474 – Needville area (Southwest)
- 77484 – Richmond (Southwest of Houston)
- 77485 – Near Rosenberg (Southwest)
Cypress Area:
- 77433 – Cypress
- 77429 – Cypress
Clodine/Hockley:
- 77469 – Clodine
- 77447 – Hockley
Northwest of Houston (Spring, Tomball, Magnolia)
Spring Area:
- 77388 – Spring
- 77373 – Spring
- 77386 – Spring
- 77379 – Spring
- 77302 – North of Spring (near Old Town Spring)
Tomball Area:
- 77377 – Tomball
- 77375 – Tomball area (Northwest)
Magnolia Area:
- 77355 – Magnolia
- 77354 – Magnolia
Northwest Areas (Spring, Tomball, Magnolia):
- 77316 – Montgomery / Woodlands area (Northwest)
- 77338 – North of Humble
- 77362 – Splendora / North of New Caney
- 77365 – Kingwood area (East of I-69)
- 77385 – East of The Woodlands
- 77389 – North of The Woodlands
North of Houston (Jersey Village, Cypress, Humble)
Jersey Village Area:
- 77064 – Jersey Village
- 77065 – Jersey Village
- 77041 – Jersey Village
Humble Area:
- 77396 – Humble
- 77346 – Humble
Northeast of Houston (Crosby)
Crosby Area:
- 77532 – Crosby
Central & Northwest Houston (Houston Proper)
Northwest Houston:
- 77095 – Houston (Cypress/Far Northwest)
- 77073 – Houston (Northwest)
- 77090 – Houston (Northwest)
- 77068 – Houston (Northwest)
- 77014 – Houston (Northwest)
- 77069 – Houston (Northwest)
- 77070 – Houston (Northwest)
- 77084 – Houston (West of Downtown)
- 77086 – Houston (Northwest)
- 77066 – Houston (Northwest)
- 77049 – Houston (Northeast)
Southwest of Houston (Sugarland, Mission Bend, Richmond)
Mission Bend Area:
- 77083 – Mission Bend
Sugar Land Area:
- 77478 – Sugar Land
- 77479 – Sugar Land
- 77498 – Sugar Land
Categorized Additional Zip Codes Added:
East of Houston / Northeast Areas:
- 77015 – East Houston
- 77038 – North Houston (Greenspoint)
- 77039 – North Houston (Greenspoint)
- 77040 – Northwest Houston (Jersey Village)
- 77044 – Northeast Houston (IAH Area)
- 77060 – North Houston (Greenspoint)
- 77067 – North Houston (Greenspoint)
- 77082 – West Houston (Westchase)
- 77089 – Southeast Houston (South Belt / Ellington)
Southeast of Houston:
- 77521 – Baytown area (Southeast of Houston)
- 77530 – Highlands / South of Baytown
- 77545 – Missouri City / South of Sugar Land
- 77562 – Pearland / South of Houston
- 77583 – Pearland (Southeast of Houston)
What if I want to cancel?
The Base Power website says: “If you ever want to cancel with Base, you only have to pay a $500 deinstallation fee.”
If you move, you can transfer the account to the new homeowner. Check the FAQ page of Base Power for more help.
