The Beyond the Meter: Energy Storage Integration Prize is a one-phase challenge initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity (OE), targeting the critical juncture where buildings, industry, transportation, renewable energy, energy storage, and the electric grid converge. As the U.S. grid evolves from a one-way energy delivery system into a dynamic, two-way infrastructure, the integration of distributed and behind-the-meter energy resources becomes essential. This prize is a response to that transformation, encouraging innovation in grid-edge technologies that support system-wide interoperability, resiliency, and sustainability.
The prize specifically focuses on companies and coalitions developing or deploying behind-the-meter technologies. These technologies must support integration with various grid components, enhance collaboration among diverse energy vendors, and demonstrate the ability to function within a dynamic grid environment. By fostering such solutions, the DOE aims to build a smarter, more flexible grid infrastructure, improving energy efficiency and reliability.
Applicants were asked to articulate how their solutions contribute to enhanced energy system integration, describe potential partnerships, and present plans to demonstrate their technology in a live setting. Each submission was expected to show how collaboration with other vendors and stakeholders would be realized in practice. Finalists were selected based on the feasibility, scalability, and innovative nature of their technology solutions, as well as the strength of their proposed demonstration and partnership strategies.
Up to two winners received $100,000 each, as well as the opportunity to showcase their solutions at a dedicated energy conference. This event included a booth demonstration area and a structured networking session to facilitate connections with grid-edge technology vendors. The prize offered winners strategic visibility and direct access to key industry players, bolstering opportunities for partnerships and further technology deployment.
The Beyond the Meter Prize is part of the broader Grid Resource Integration Technologies (GRIT) Prize Series, a collaborative DOE initiative aimed at accelerating the deployment of grid-edge solutions. Although this particular challenge is now closed, it represents the DOE’s continued investment in advancing the energy grid through technology partnerships and innovation.
Prospective applicants and stakeholders were advised to consult the Official Rules for full eligibility details and application requirements. Questions could be directed to electricity.prize@nrel.gov, and updates were available through the HeroX prize platform.
