Brooklyn Bagel Shop Cuts Bills With Plug-In Batteries

Small businesses across America struggle with sky-high electricity bills, but a Brooklyn bagel shop just found a surprisingly simple fix.

Black Seed Bagels in Brooklyn installed three plug-in batteries, each about the size of a carry-on suitcase, to power their commercial ovens and refrigerators during peak hours. The batteries help them avoid hefty demand charges that utility companies tack onto bills based on maximum power usage.

Co-owner Noah Bernamoff says these charges can represent half of a business's total electric bill. By switching to battery power at key times, Black Seed could save about $80 per month at each of its 10 New York City locations, adding up to nearly $10,000 in annual savings.

The best part? The batteries simply plug into standard wall outlets. No complex installation, no expensive renovations, and no dealing with the city's notoriously complicated utility connection process.

David Energy, a New York startup, provided the batteries for free as part of a pilot program. Their software automatically controls when appliances draw backup power to maximize savings, especially during scorching summer months when air conditioners run constantly.

The company has already signed deals to install plug-in batteries in about 50 locations, including fast-food restaurants, a day spa, and even a dog grooming store where the battery cushions power draw from fur-drying machines. Together, these batteries represent more than 500 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity.

The Ripple Effect

This plug-in battery approach solves a major headache for small business owners. For years, strict fire safety regulations made traditional battery installations impractical and expensive in New York City. Portable batteries sidestep these barriers entirely.

The technology builds on a growing movement of DIY clean energy solutions worldwide. Germany has embraced balcony solar systems that plug into household outlets, and lawmakers in New York and other states are now pushing similar legislation.

As batteries and solar power become cheaper to produce, David Energy CEO James McGinniss sees huge potential for scaling clean energy access. The plug-in approach lets the company rapidly expand battery storage under management without waiting for regulatory changes.

For Bernamoff and countless other small business owners operating on razor-thin margins, every dollar counts. "We're in the game of nickels and dimes," he explains, "so we're always happy to save the money."

This simple solution proves that supporting small businesses and clean energy can go hand in hand.