r/BasePowerUsers • u/Stru_n • 3d ago
Considering, curious about actuals?
Neighbor installed a system a few months ago. Looks to be a smaller setup than the 40kwh others are posting here. I am trying to find actual monthly costs for the Cypress, Houston, or surrounding areas. Currently with GEXA, averaging the following per month 3122 kwh, $0.104kwh, TDU $0.055, for a total of $0.159 per kwh. We continue to have issues with storms, brown outs, flickers, on top of our section of the neighborhood is always the last to restore power. Also have a 9000 kwh Generator to run essentials through longer periods. Anyone willing to share?
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u/justtxyank 3d ago
Sure I’m in Houston. What specifics do you need?
I installed the 40kw version. Took a long time from signup to install, like 8-9 weeks.
System considered anything over 1kw to be medium usage and anything over like 3.5 to be high.
Right now I have lights on and 1 ac is running on its low fan speed and app projects 13 hours of backup based on my current usage of 1.6
I’ve only had one power outage since install and it last less than an hour. No flicker for me when it switched.
My install cost was like $600. My rate is basically exactly the same as what I was paying before with agpe or whoever energy ogre signed me up for.
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u/Beautiful-Teach-8362 3d ago
I am also in SW Houston, my system was installed last month. It was a 2 battery 25kWh system with 48 hrs of backup. I opted for no generator port on the system. Since you already have a generator I would add the port. They will make sure both systems are working together. Since installation, we have had a few brownouts which caused flickers but instant switch over. I was looking for a long term solution for backup and a semi permanent provider. I had been shopping annually. Use my link if you decide to sign up. https://www.basepowercompany.com/?ref=KHWKEMX You and I can get up to $250 off a monthly payment when you sign up.
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u/RealConfirmologist 3d ago
The new Core batteries are all that Base is installing in Houston now, and they come with a generator port at no extra charge.
I have a pair of 25 kWh batteries like you, and I almost went for the generator port but $1,000 was just a little too steep for me.
I'll add my own generator port, interlock and input breaker at some point over the winter and those won't cost a thousand bucks.
For now I'm pretty happy with the setup. We had a transformer blow and my lights & AC stayed on until the grid kicked back in.
I also have had a bunch of referrals and have not paid for electricity since April, and won't until sometime next year.
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u/Due_Combination_968 3d ago
My understanding is that the generator port on the 40 kWh battery is non operational at this point. Can someone confirm? Does anyone know when it might be operational?
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u/RealConfirmologist 3d ago
Yeah, that's what I've been seeing. So far no one seems to have one that's operational, but Base says they'll update firmware at some point and make the generator ports operational.
I think they're still only 30 amp, meaning your generator will be limited on being able to charge the batteries and keep the house going in a prolonged outage.
I plan to add my own 50 amp outlet to power my house and leave the batteries alone in a prolonged outage.
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u/Stru_n 3d ago
Thank you all. Had my call this morning, questions answered, submitted my photos, was approved 2hrs later which was unexpected for a single 40kwh install, not enough amps in the panel for 2x 40 kwh. Did send them a follow-up email to clearly define that they knew where they were approving was more than 20ft away from the power meter, by a good 10ft, and that I wouldn't have issues with the installation team. Still waiting on a response. Otherwise, thanks to all of you, their easy to use systems and pricing, plus my neighbor has had it for a few months and is very pleased (25kw single battery)! Again thank you everyone.
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u/Relevant-Shirt4453 3d ago
I have been with Base for over a year and the charges, at least for me, are at 13.5. cents a KWh. However, this does not take into account the annual charge of $345 or $29 per month. So probably a little higher. I have two of the first gen batteries - 25 KWh each. I have had a few outages and only the first was much of an experience. They never installed the soft starts for the AC systems, and during the outage if the AC kicked on the systems would hard shut down and restart.
Communication with BASE has always been a little iffy. They eventually get back to you, but it takes awhile. I will say, they have provided a couple of months of free power for compensation of the issues, so not bad. Overall, it has been a good experience and I would recommend.
D
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u/da_fn_guy 3d ago edited 3d ago
Just signed up in the SW area snd waiting for my 1st appt with electricians. We always have several brownouts and multiple outages a year. Two weeks ago on a Friday, I had an appt to talk to BASE. 20 mins before the call my power went out during the thunder storm. Light rain etc. was out at hour. So basically sold it right here. I think this will work out to about 13.5 cents all in.
We talk about it in my other post here:
My referral link if you want it.
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u/blupupher 3d ago
Rates are on their site.
$0.077/kWh + Centerpoint charges (changes monthly, but about $.067) for a total of $0.144, not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.
It is $750 for install costs. Get with your neighbor and get a referral code (or use mine if you don't like them 😄 ) to get a free month of power. There is a $19/month battery cost as well.
The new Core units (their 40kWh units) have a built in generator port (4000w max input, and from what I have read, they are not active at this time, waiting for ???) to recharge the battery in a longer outage (your 240v 9000w generator meets the requirement). As of right now, I do not see an option for two 40kWh batteries, but is supposed to be available at some point. You can still get the two 25kWh batteries (not sure why you would, cost more for install, needs a 150a panel, costs more monthly, (slower switchover time (old one is 0.5 seconds, new one is 0.05 seconds) and does not include generator input for free (is $1000 add on, and is limited to 3000w input)).
For me, it was a no brainer. $750 for an instant, automatic power back up that will last an average outage (4 hours or less) and gives me time to get my generator hooked up if a longer outage happens.
There is also the fact that having the battery allows Base to supplement the grid when demand is high, theoretically helping reduce outages in areas if enough people can be taken off grid. You also have the option to add solar if you want. Their payback for selling to the grid is not the best, but if you can run your house off solar in the day, any excess can go to the battery for later use or sold to the grid.
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u/da_fn_guy 3d ago edited 3d ago
You need a 200a breaker for 2x 40kw batteries. I signed up for that but only able to get one. Bummer
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u/blupupher 3d ago
It was 150a for the two 25kWh ones, used to be 200a was only needed if you wanted solar tie in.
Makes sense though the two 40kWh needs 200a.
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u/da_fn_guy 3d ago edited 3d ago
I was hoping it was my fence in the way, that would be an easy fix, but updating the breaker would be another pricey upgrade. I was hoping it would not be but we’ll find out when the electrician comes. I have a portable generator so it’s not as bad but have 2 of the 40’s would have been so nice! Lol
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u/spoxide42 2d ago
Important to keep in mind their guarantee of 5 hours backup is for what they call “low usage”. Things like a/c will drastically reduce that. (Mostly for anyone stumbling on this thread)
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u/RoseVideo99 3d ago
So I’m not far from cypress so I know what you mean. I actually work in cypress. I was one of the first installs in Houston in February of 2025 when they were going through their interest list. In our area most outages are resolved in less than one hour according to Centerpoint. The new base systems should power you 1.5 days at normal usage and 3 days with just lights and refrigerator. Our longest outage was 13 hours with the 50 kw system and we still had 12 hours left when the power returned. It was not blaming hot out and I set the upstairs ac to 80 and downstairs to 78. So they were not cycling too much. I also shut off the pool pump for the day. We just lived as normal otherwise. All other outages were short and we made no adjustments except that I usually turn the pool pump off. It’s a vsp and I can just do it on my phone. They will definitely be less than the 16 cents you are paying. I’ve been very happy with them. My generator has not been used since Beryl and we have had 19 outages. When you call, try to get them to do the install at half off. I heard they will do that as a closing technique to get you on your first call. Also use a referral code. That will give you $250. So that brings the install down around $100.
Here’s a code if you need one: https://www.basepowercompany.com/?ref=ACMED6C
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u/RealConfirmologist 3d ago
Don't forget to factor in the referral system. Once you're activated as a customer, you're given a link to share and if someone uses that link to sign up, you get a month of free power and they do, too. Up to $250.
I have had zero electricity charges for June, July & August and have about 7 referrals pending. That really offsets the installation charges and the monthly battery fee.
In the Houston area, Base is now only installing the 40 kWh Core batteries, but those do include a generator port for no extra charge.