Potential energy behind domestic gods (7)

I believe the answer is:

penates

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'gods' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Roman gods' mean 'penates' so perhaps 'gods' could also mean 'penates')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for penates that I've seen before include "Lares and -, Roman househiold gods" , "More than one god" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

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