What Are Peak Demand Charges?

How Battery Storage Cuts Utility Costs for Columbus Businesses

If you're a business owner in Columbus, Ohio, you might be paying more for electricity than you need to — not because of how much power you use, but when you use it.

This is where peak demand charges come in.

What Are Peak Demand Charges?

Some utility companies don’t just bill based on total energy used over the month (kilowatt-hours). They also charge extra based on your highest moment of usage — your peak demand — usually measured in kilowatts (kW). That one-time surge, even if it lasts just 15 minutes, can drive up your entire bill.

Real Example:

Let’s say your facility normally runs at 25 kW, but once a day, all your equipment kicks on at once and spikes your usage to 45 kW. Your utility sees that spike — and charges you as if you're using 45 kW constantly. These charges can make up 30–70% of your commercial power bill.

How BC Solar Solves This With Battery Storage

At BC Solar, we install commercial-grade battery systems that shave off those peaks.

Here’s how it works:

• Your system monitors your power usage in real time.

• When a spike starts to happen, instead of pulling extra power from the grid, your batteries kick in.

• The grid only sees steady, controlled usage — no spike, no fee.

Think of it like cruise control for your energy draw: smooth, consistent, and cost-efficient.

“Sometimes we install batteries without solar — just to solve peak demand issues. That’s how much money this can save.” — Brian Zaayer, Owner of BC Solar

Why This Matters for Columbus Businesses

If you're running:

• Banks or financial centers

• Manufacturing or warehouse facilities

• Grocery or retail locations

• Office buildings with heavy HVAC loads

...you’re likely seeing peak demand fees every month.

Our systems help you:

• Avoid demand spikes

• Reduce overall monthly bills

• Gain backup power for outages

• Qualify for tax incentives and depreciation programs

FAQs: Commercial Battery Systems & Demand Charges

How much can I save by avoiding peak demand charges?
Savings vary, but many clients cut thousands off their annual bill — often 30% or more — just by reducing peak spikes.

Can I use battery storage without solar?
Yes. We often install battery-only systems for businesses dealing with peak usage issues.

Do I need special equipment or permits?
We handle all design, permitting, and utility interconnection for you — from start to finish.

Will the battery kick in fast enough to prevent a spike?
Yes. Our systems detect spikes instantly and respond in milliseconds.

Looking to reduce your energy costs and get control over demand charges?

📞 Call us at (614) 442-9700 or visit https://bc.solar to schedule a custom energy assessment.