The reciprocity of virtual power plants and energy justice
VPP experts share insight on how to design a program to benefit all, regardless of income.
Massachusetts Senate considers DER peak reduction mandate to curb grid costs
Advocates are pushing for a new standard that requires utilities to leverage distributed energy resources (DER) for peak load management, offering a potential fix for the state’s high retail rates.
Control, not capacity, could be the next driver of U.S. residential storage investment
Investors are shifting focus from deployment growth to platforms that can orchestrate and monetize battery fleets.
“Pry open” VPP markets by ensuring VPP providers may access customer data, groups say
Two groups allege that utilities are blocking virtual power plant aggregators from accessing the meter data they need to provide a VPP. The groups call for using antitrust law to “pry open” VPP markets.
Base Power announces battery-free Texas retail energy plan across major utility territories
The company says it can save the majority of Texans money by leveraging its fleet of home batteries to offer “all-in” rates between 13.2 and 15.7 cents per kWh.
Arizona task force roadmap prioritizes virtual power plants and distributed solar to cut energy costs
Arizona’s Energy Promise Taskforce released 31 recommendations calling for the accelerated deployment of virtual power plants and distributed solar to meet a projected 40% increase in peak demand.
Minnesota PUC approves utility battery program while deferring VPP decisions
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved 50 MW to 200 MW of utility-owned storage while requiring Xcel Energy to study the grid value of distributed resources.
Generac and CPower announce DER program for commercial and industrial customers
The partnership will bring access to distributed energy programs across the PJM interconnection for Generac’s C&I customers through CPower’s platform.
Rooftop solar now accounts for one fifth of Puerto Rico’s generation capacity
Distributed solar additions have vastly outpaced all other forms of generation as the territory’s overall power generation capacity continues to grow.
Rhythm Energy expands renewable electricity plans to commercial customers in Texas
The Houston, Texas-based retail energy provider’s PowerShift Business plan aligns lower prices with common operating hours, while the All-Business plan offers a standard flat rate.
