Backup generators are too expensive in Houston — Base Power can help

Base Power, the Texas-based energy startup bringing reliable and affordable power to Texans, has arrived in Houston.

Why it's important: Power outages are becoming more common in Houston and across Texas.

• In 2024, Hurricane Beryl caused over 120,000 Houston homes to lose power during a July heat.
• In 2021, over 4.5 million Texas homes lost power during a severe winter storm, some for multiple days.

In other words: Backup power is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity.

Okay, but: Traditional standby generators come with sky-high prices and the installation wait times can be super long.

• Generators cost between $4,000 to $25,000, with the average homeowner paying around $9,000, including installation, according to Forbes.
• Texas prices are often higher due to permitting delays, labor shortages and skyrocketing demand.

The positive news: Base Power, co-founded by Zach Dell (son of Michael Dell) and former Space X mechanical engineer Justin Lopas, is offering a smarter, more affordable solution — an energy plan with home backup included.

Here's how: Instead of the large upfront cost of a generator, Base installs a 25-50 kWh backup battery on every member's home.

• When the grid is up and running, the battery performs grid balancing operations. This allows the Base to get paid by the grid rather than by homeowners.
• The company's silent and odorless batteries turn on instantly when the grid goes down, providing Base members with the full benefit of whole-home backup protection.

Here's the deal: Let's break down exactly how much it costs to use Base Power.

• Base Power charges a $495 setup fee.
• The company will also cover up to $250 in cancellation fees to help you switch providers.
• Once you're set up, Base Power charges 8.5 cents per kWh (kilowatt-hour) energy charge and $195 per year, covering all services and maintenance.

What to expect: Base Power's Texas-sized home backup system is designed to handle full-home energy needs. And the best part? The company takes care of everything.

• It manages permits, hires electricians to install the new system and takes care of ongoing maintenance.
• Most systems are installed in just 2-6 weeks, so you can start enjoying reliable backup power sooner.

Worth a mention: Base Power is rapidly expanding across Texas through key partnerships.

• The company teamed up with Lennar, the second-largest home builder in the U.S., to outfit select homes with Base batteries, giving homeowners built-in backup power.
• Base Power has also secured its first utility deal with BEC, a utility serving the San Antonio area, to provide its affordable backup power solution to residents.

Here's what else: The Base Power app for iOS or Android lets you monitor your system at any time.

• You can use the app to measure your electricity use, pay your bills and access 24/7 customer support.

The takeaway: As Texas continues to experience extreme weather and rising energy costs, Base Power offers Houston homeowners a smarter, more reliable way to keep their homes powered.

Learn more and see if your home qualifies.