General Motors (GM) said Tuesday it is rolling out a software update that will allow some US electric vehicle owners to send power back to the grid, expanding the capabilities of its vehicle-to-home energy system.

The company said it had starting testing in California and Texas, with pilot programs already underway in Michigan.

General Motor said the system will allow vehicles to provide backup power to homes during outages, and through V2G technology, help utilities balance electricity demand.

The company is working with utilities including Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PCG), and DTE Energy (DTE) to test and expand grid integration, it added.