Systems and methods for controlling battery charge levels to maximize savings in a behind the meter energy management system include predicting a demand charge threshold with a power demand management controller based on historical load. A net energy demand is predicted for a current day with a short-term forecaster. A demand threshold maximizes financial savings using the net energy demand using a rolling time horizon optimizer by concurrently optimizing the demand charge savings and demand response rewards. A load reduction capability factor of batteries is determined with a real-time controller corresponding to an amount of energy to fulfill the demand response rewards. The net energy demand is compared with the demand threshold to determine a demand difference. Battery charge levels of the one or more batteries are controlled with the real time controller according to the demand difference and the load reduction capability factor.