Houston, TX – A new Texas-based energy startup, Base Power, is preparing to launch its innovative "virtual power plant" program in Houston on September 29, 2025. The company will initially focus on homes within the CenterPoint Energy service area, with ambitious plans to expand across other ERCOT markets in Texas by 2026.
Base Power aims to enhance grid reliability and lower energy costs for homeowners by installing comprehensive home energy systems, including solar panels, battery storage units like the Tesla Powerwall (for which Base Power is a certified installer), and smart thermostats. Critically, these installations will come at no upfront cost to the homeowner.
The core of Base Power's model is its virtual power plant concept. During periods of peak demand or when the power grid requires additional support, participating homes' energy systems can feed stored or generated energy back into the grid. Base Power then sells this energy, sharing a portion of the revenue with homeowners in the form of monthly bill credits. This mechanism not only contributes to the stability of Texas's notoriously challenged power grid but also provides a financial incentive for participants.
Homeowners stand to benefit in multiple ways: potentially lower monthly energy bills, access to crucial backup power during outages, and an upgrade to modern, clean energy technology without any out-of-pocket expenses.
The startup was co-founded by CEO Zach Axelrod and CTO Shawn Kung. To date, Base Power has secured a significant $17 million in seed funding from investors including Collaborative Fund and First Round Capital, signaling strong investor confidence in its model and mission.
Base Power's initiative is positioned to empower Houston residents to become active participants in a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Texas, while simultaneously offering tangible financial benefits.
For more information on Base Power and its upcoming Houston launch, visit www.basepower.com. Residents can also learn more about their current energy service area through CenterPoint Energy's website at www.centerpointenergy.com.
