Case study Burnaby
Battery Energy Storage for Peak Shaving and Backup in Burnaby, BC

OVERVIEW
A mid-sized manufacturing facility in Burnaby, BC operating CNC machines, heavy-duty compressors, and HVAC systems was facing high demand charges and infrastructure limitations. With rising operational costs and the need to expand its HVAC capacity, the facility needed a strategic solution to manage load spikes and secure backup power.
PROBLEM
- Monthly demand peaks reaching up to 700 kW
- Demand charges from BC Hydro: $13.75 per kW/month
- Proposed grid upgrade for HVAC expansion estimated at $150,000
- No backup system in place for outages

SOLUTION
- Battery Capacity: 760 kWh (2-hour discharge)
- Discharge Power: 380 kW
- Use Case: Peak shaving + facility-wide backup
- EMS Integration: Yes, with automation and monitoring. Battery triggers only when site load exceeds 320kW.
- Deployment: Outdoor containerized cabinet

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Item Value (CAD)System Cost (Selling Price) $233,046
Peak Demand Before 700 kW
Demand Charges (Before) $9,625Monthly
Savings $5,225
Annual Demand Charge Savings $62,700
EMS Fee $36,270
Net Annual Savings $26,430
Payback Period ~8.8 yearsInfrastructure
Upgrade Avoided $150,000
Peak Demand After 320 kW Monthly
Demand Charges (After) $4,400 Monthly

RESULTS
- Monthly utility savings of ~$5,200
- Avoided $150k grid infrastructure upgrade
- Full HVAC system expansion enabled without transformer replacement
- Backup power capability for essential equipment

Long-Term Impact
- Estimated lifetime savings over 15 years: $395,000+
- Opens the door for future EV charger integration and renewable adoption
- Strong ROI and enhanced
energy resilience
CLIENT FEEDBACK
“Installing the battery system saved us months of delay and six figures in electrical upgrades. It’s already paying off — our CFO was thrilled.”— Facilities Manager, Burnaby Manufacturing Co.