Affordable Housing Battery Storage Project Wins 2026 Top Innovator Award for Building-to-Grid Flexibility

A 3.75 MWh indoor battery storage system at Peace Bridge Place, a 105-unit affordable housing complex in Buffalo, New York, has been named the 2026 Fortnightly Top Innovator of the Year. The project, developed by Viridi, Good Carbon Co., and National Grid, uses intelligent controls to shift the building's electricity load during peak demand, sometimes exporting power back to the grid. It is part of a National Grid pilot supported by NYSERDA to test flexible energy resources on the distribution network. The system includes fail-safe battery technology that passed UL 9540A testing with no thermal runaway propagation, making it safe for occupied residential buildings. During demand response events, the building can cut net consumption to below zero, temporarily supplying power to the local grid. The project also pairs with geothermal heating and cooling, hot water upgrades, and envelope improvements, all aimed at reducing operating costs and maintaining long-term housing affordability. This recognition highlights a replicable model where buildings become active grid assets rather than passive loads. For utilities, it offers a way to manage growing demand without relying solely on traditional infrastructure upgrades. For affordable housing owners, it creates new revenue streams and lower energy bills. The award was selected by a live vote among five category winners at the October 29 ceremony in Washington, D.C.