Behind‑the‑Meter Energy Storage for the Restaurant Industry

The system provides on‑bill savings through peak demand reduction while ensuring continued operation during grid outages, protecting refrigeration, kitchen equipment, point‑of‑sale systems, and occupant safety.

Challenge

The restaurant faced two primary energy challenges:

High Utility Demand Charges

• Spikes in electricity usage during meal prep and service hours drove high peak demand charges on monthly utility bills
• Limited flexibility to reduce load during dinner rushes without impacting service or revenue

Lack of Energy Resilience

• Grid outages led to food spoilage risk, business interruptions, and lost revenue
• Conventional generators posed fuel storage, noise, and permitting challenges in an urban setting

The owner sought a solution that could lower operating costs, improve resiliency, and fit safely inside the existing building footprint.

The Solution

A behind‑the‑meter energy storage system was installed to operate alongside the restaurant’s utility service.

System Deployed

• Model: RPSLinkEX
• Energy Capacity: 150 kWh
• Power Output: 30 kW continuous

The system was configured to:

• Discharge during peak demand windows to reduce utility demand charges
• Seamlessly island during grid outages, maintaining service to critical loads
• Recharge during low–demand hours to maximize bill savings

Why RPSLinkEX

The RPSLinkEX platform was selected for its combination of safety, flexibility, and commercial‑grade performance.

Key Attributes

• Fail–Safe Anti–Propagation architecture allows for deployments where many Li–Ion systems are not permissible–in and around occupied buildings and critical equipment
• Integrated controls for peak shaving and backup operation
• Outdoor wall–mounted electrical enclosures made for a quick and minimally invasive installation process
  
  

The solution met Massachusetts electrical codes and utility interconnection requirements without extensive infrastructure upgrades.

Results & Benefits

Immediate On‑Bill Savings

• Reduced monthly demand charges by limiting peak load during high‑cost intervals
• Improved energy cost predictability

Operational Resiliency

• Continued operation of refrigeration, lighting, POS systems, and select kitchen equipment during outages
• Avoided food loss, downtime, and emergency closures

Business Continuity

• Enhanced customer confidence and staff safety
• Reduced reliance on fossil‑fuel backup generators

Sustainability & Planning

• Lower overall carbon footprint compared to diesel backup solutions
• Platform‑ready for future integration with solar PV or demand response programs