Collections of batteries are used to supply energy to a variety of applications. By utilizing the energy in such a collection efficiently, we can improve the lifetime over which energy can be supplied to the application. We say that the discharge of a collection of batteries is coordinated when, at the end of discharge, the difference in the remaining capacity of individual batteries is small. This paper presents a decision-maker based on a goal-seeking formulation that coordinates the discharge of a collection of batteries. This formulation allows us to use a simple battery model and simple decision-making algorithms. We present results from MATLAB simulations that demonstrate the performance of the decision-maker when energy is drawn out of the collection in three different discharge scenarios. The new decision-maker consistently improves the discharge efficiency obtained using scheduling methods. Our results show that when the discharge is coordinated, the lifetime of the collection is extended. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.