In South Central Texas, summer heat is a given. When temperatures rise, so does electricity usage—especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when air conditioners work the hardest.
That is why GVEC offers programs designed to put members in control while helping manage demand on the electric grid. Through Peak-Time Payback and strategic battery partnerships with Base Power, Enphase®, and Tesla, members have simple, rewarding ways to make a difference when it matters most.
Small Changes, Big Impact
For many members, the easiest place to start is with a smart thermostat. It is one of the most accessible ways to reduce energy use during peak-demand periods, especially in the summer months when ERCOT’s Four Coincident Peaks (4CPs) are typically set.
These peak-demand moments play an important role in determining future transmission costs, which are passed through directly to members as part of the Generation and Transmission portion of your bill. By lowering demand during these key intervals, GVEC can help control long-term costs for the entire membership.
Through Peak-Time Payback, eligible thermostats automatically make small, temporary temperature adjustments during peak events. For most households, these changes are brief and manageable, but across thousands of participating homes, the impact is significant. Today, more than 3,200 GVEC members participate in the thermostat program, and last year alone, GVEC returned more than $188,000 in bill credits to participating members.
Expanding Impact with Battery Storage
For members looking to take the next step, home battery systems offer another powerful way to participate.
Batteries allow you to shift energy use away from the grid during peak times, while also providing backup power during outages. GVEC offers flexible options, including owning a system such as Enphase with an initial rebate of $220/kW or a Tesla Powerwall with a recently increased initial rebate of up to $515/kW. With both options also offering additional annual rebates, ownership of a battery system has never been more affordable. For those who prefer, there is also the option of leasing a Base Power battery system for only $295 upfront with no additional ongoing costs. Several great options to fit any budget and lifestyle.
Battery participation continues to grow, with over 1,500 batteries currently enrolled and contributing over 13 megawatts of flexible capacity—making them an important resource when demand is highest. To support adoption, GVEC has invested over $1.16 million in battery rebates since 2025, helping to make these solutions more attainable for our members.
Peak-Time Payback and our battery programs are part of GVEC’s broader strategy to actively participate in the ERCOT market by reducing demand when the grid is under the most strain. Our members’ contributions during these critical periods help reduce strain during extreme conditions, lower wholesale power costs, improve reliability, and stabilize long-term electric rates.
This is the cooperative model in action; individual choices adding up to a meaningful collective impact.
Get Started Today
Whether you’re ready to enroll a smart thermostat or explore battery storage options, GVEC is here to help, every step of the way. Visit gvec.org/peak-time-payback to learn more and get started. Earn bill credits, gain backup power options, and help strengthen the grid for your community.
As always, I welcome your feedback and encourage you to reach out with any questions or
concerns by phone at 830.857.1152, by email at [email protected], or by mail at P.O. Box 118,
Gonzales, Texas 78629.
Respectfully,
