Central Georgia EMC
Why are CGEMC and Base working together?
Base partners with electric cooperatives like Central Georgia EMC (CGEMC) to offer members automatic home backup at an affordable price.
Here’s how it works. When the electric grid is up, your Base Core battery adds power to the grid during high-demand hours, helping lower overall costs for your cooperative. When the grid goes down, it backs up your home automatically.
Because the batteries support the grid, CGEMC members pay a one-time $95 fee for one battery or $150 for two.
What happens when the power goes out?
Your Base Core battery turns on automatically to back up your home during a power outage. The Base app sends you a push notification when your house is running on battery, plus tips to make your backup power last longer. You can check your estimated backup duration anytime in the app.
How long does the backup last?
A single Base Core battery stores 39.2 kilowatt-hours of energy. That is enough for up to 36 hours of backup per battery with reduced energy use.
For longer outages, plug a portable generator into the battery's generator recharge port to keep your backup going for as long as you have fuel. If you have solar panels, they can also recharge the battery during the outage.
What will I pay, and when?
CGEMC members pay a one-time fee. There are no monthly fees.
One Core battery: $95 total
$50 deposit when you sign up. It counts toward your $95 and is refundable until Base starts paperwork approval.
$45 within 48 hours after your battery is installed.
Two Core batteries: $150 total
$50 deposit when you sign up. It counts toward your $150 and is refundable until Base starts paperwork approval.
$100 within 48 hours after your battery is installed.
Base covers all battery maintenance. If you cancel after installation, a $500 deinstallation fee applies.
Will my CGEMC energy bill change after the battery installation?
No. CGEMC is still your energy provider, and you'll keep getting your monthly bill from them just like today.
Your meter still measures only the energy your home uses. The battery connects on CGEMC's side of the meter (called front of the meter), so its charging and discharging will not show up on your energy bill. You will only be charged for energy used to power your home.
What if I change my mind?
Before install: Contact Base support as soon as you can at support@basepowercompany.com. Your $50 deposit is refundable if you cancel before Base starts paperwork approval.
After installation: You can cancel during the 12-year agreement for a $500 deinstallation fee.
If you sell your home: You can transfer the battery and your agreement to the new homeowner at no cost. Contact Base support to start the transfer, and we’ll coordinate with the new homeowner. You cannot take Base with you when you move, but you can sign-up if you live in an area served by Base
Does the battery back up my whole home?
Yes. Your battery backs up everything on your main electrical panel.
There is a limit on how much power your home can use at once during an outage. Your home needs to be using less than 20 kilowatts for the Base Core battery to turn on. Turning off high-power appliances, like electric heaters, helps reduce usage for the battery to turn on. The Base app has steps to help if this happens.
Where does the battery go, and how much space does it need?
The battery gets installed outside, within 20 feet of your electric meter and within 1 foot of your exterior home wall. It needs a 3-by-3-foot spot on the ground and stands about 3 feet tall.
It has to be at least 3 feet from a gas meter and can't sit in front of windows or other electrical equipment, like your meter, electrical panel or solar equipment. The installation crew may ask you to clear bushes or anything else in the way. Base sets the pad during installation, so you don't need to pour your own concrete.
Is the battery safe?
Yes. Base batteries are certified to UL 1973, UL 1741, UL 9540 and UL 9540A, the standards for battery safety and fire testing.
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is one of the most stable battery types. It handles heat well and is far less likely to overheat than a typical EV battery. Every installation is done by licensed and insured electricians.
Do I need solar? What if I already have it?
You don't need solar to get a Base backup battery. If you have it, Base works with most solar systems, and your panels can recharge the battery during the day in the event of an outage. If you add solar after your battery is installed, let Base know first so your solar is set up to work with the battery.
I have a portable generator. Can I use it with the battery?
Yes. Plug it into the battery's generator recharge port, and it will recharge the battery during long extended outages. Your generator needs a 240V output, an L14-30 plug and at least 3 kW. The battery accepts up to 3,000 watts, so a bigger generator won't recharge it faster.
Whole-home standby generators don't work with the recharge port.