GridPoint, an energy data management provider specialising in commercial real estate, has announced the return of its co-founder Adrian De Luca as chief executive officer. De Luca is set to lead the launch of a new business division for distributed battery storage. The company intends to equip its platform of more than 20,000 commercial sites across the United States with on-site battery storage systems. The target is a cumulative storage capacity of two gigawatts, which equals the output capacity of the Hoover Dam.
De Luca joins from global infrastructure investment firm I Squared Capital, which manages 60 billion dollars in assets and where he served as principal. Prior to his return, he supported GridPoint for many years as an investor and board adviser. De Luca noted that since its founding in late 2003, the company has focused on helping multi-site operators achieve measurable energy cost savings and operational efficiency across different markets and operating models through technology.
Rising electricity demand drives operating costs in the commercial sector
The strategic expansion comes at a time when power demand in the US is reaching new record highs. According to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration from July 2026, data centres and advanced manufacturing facilities in particular are driving national power consumption for 2026 and 2027. This development places a noticeable strain on operators of restaurant chains, pharmacies, and retail premises: according to GridPoint, commercial electricity rates at the properties it manages have risen by 42 per cent over the past five years.
De Luca explained that market conditions now provided the right moment to enter storage technology. He noted that the market environment had shifted fundamentally around 18 months ago. Much like earlier trends in photovoltaics, the levelised cost of batteries has fallen significantly. In addition, improved tax structuring through the Investment Tax Credit, particularly via its transferability, provides a more reliable framework for project financing.
Rollout via turnkey subscription models
Distribution of the storage solutions will take place under a monthly subscription model, similar to the company's existing software offering. Customers receive hardware, installation, and energy management as a turnkey package in exchange for an ongoing fee. The electricity savings achieved are intended to exceed the monthly costs from the first day of operation, thereby generating immediate financial benefits for commercial users.
