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How to Activate CBES in Puerto Rico With Your Tesla Powerwall
If you have a Tesla Powerwall installed in Puerto Rico, there's a good chance you could be earning money with it — and many owners don't even know it. Through LUMA's Customer Battery Energy Sharing (CBES) program, your Powerwall can share a little energy during peak hours and get paid for it.
What is the CBES program?
CBES stands for Customer Battery Energy Sharing. It's a virtual power plant: instead of firing up a costly plant during moments of peak demand, LUMA links thousands of residential batteries and asks each for a little energy at a time, right when the grid needs it most. You, the battery owner, get paid for that energy you already have stored.
Does my Tesla Powerwall qualify?
Generally speaking, to participate you need:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Powerwall connected to solar | Your Powerwall must be connected to a photovoltaic system (solar panels). |
| Net metering | Be enrolled in LUMA's Net Metering program. |
| Through Tesla | Tesla is one of LUMA's approved aggregators; your Powerwall enrolls through Tesla's program. |
| A single enrollment | You can't be enrolled with two aggregators at the same time. |
How much can I earn?
The payment runs around $1.00 for every kWh your Powerwall shares during an event. The exact amount is set by the aggregator — in this case Tesla — and can change over time, so it's worth confirming the current rate. Events happen during peak-demand hours, generally between 7:00 and 11:00 p.m., mainly from April to November, and last a few hours.
How do I enroll with Tesla?
The process, in simple steps:
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Confirm eligibility | That your Powerwall is connected to solar and that you're on net metering with LUMA. |
| 2. Enroll with Tesla | Enrollment is done through Tesla as your aggregator — usually from the Tesla app or with help from your installer. |
| 3. Set your reserve | You decide how much energy you allow to be shared and how much you keep as backup for your home. |
| 4. Start earning | You accumulate payments for the events your battery takes part in. |
If you're not sure whether you're already enrolled, or whether you're getting the right rate, a certified installer can review your account and activate you — at no cost and with no obligation.
Will I lose my backup during an outage?
No. Only part of your energy is shared, and you set a minimum reserve level for your home. Plus, events happen during expected peak hours — not during an outage or an emergency.
You already have a Powerwall — don't leave that money on the table
Many Powerwall owners in Puerto Rico don't know whether they're enrolled in CBES, or whether they're earning the right rate. Checking is free and takes just a few minutes.
Check for free whether your Powerwall is earning
Answer 4 questions and a certified installer reviews your CBES enrollment, no obligation.
See my estimate →Want the full picture of the program? Read our general 2026 CBES program guide.