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Wonder deploys free battery systems at NYC restaurants to cut energy costs

Photo: David Energy

August 17, 2026

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Food tech company Wonder is installing plug-in batteries at 21 of its New York City locations through a partnership with energy supplier David Energy, the companies announced Aug. 10.

The 120-volt batteries will offset power use in Wonder's all-electric kitchens by charging when electricity is cheap and discharging during peak-price periods. David Energy said the systems are provided at no cost and are expected to save Wonder thousands of dollars annually per location compared with standard utility rates.

Wonder operates 140 locations across the Northeast. The company said the battery rollout fits into a broader strategy of pairing all-electric kitchens with energy management technology as it expands its real estate footprint.

"As we grow our real estate footprint, we're constantly evaluating solutions that can improve operational efficiency across our locations," Abe Nasrallah, Wonder's senior vice president of development, said in a company press release. He said the batteries were simple to install, required minimal operational changes and are expected to deliver meaningful savings across the company's New York City sites.

Many of the affected locations are also enrolled in demand-response programs that support the power grid during periods of peak usage, which can reduce the likelihood of outages and lessen reliance on peaker plants during high-demand summer days, according to David Energy.

"The team at Wonder really understands how these small batteries can be a game changer for their operations," David Energy CEO James McGinniss said in the release. He said the company plans to expand the battery rollout to additional Wonder locations in New York City and beyond.

Wonder and David Energy are now collaborating on back-of-house energy infrastructure design for Wonder's planned 2027 New York City locations, according to the companies.

David Energy, which pairs competitive electricity supply contracts with its battery technology, has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 250 U.S. sustainability-focused companies.

Wonder is a vertically integrated food technology platform offering in-house and chef-created restaurant concepts, delivery and meal kits.