Virtual Power Plants

United’s Jon Gordon discusses rising load growth in the PJM region, emphasizing that the grid operator must utilize demand response and virtual power plants to strengthen the grid and deliver affordable, reliable power to consumers.

The Bakersfield Californian reports that Assembly Bills (AB) 740 and 44—which aim to further integrate virtual power plants (VPPs) in California’s energy system—are currently under consideration in the State Legislature. United’s Edson Perez spoke to the benefits of VPPs in reducing energy costs, meeting load growth, and increasing grid resilience.

Assembly Bills 44 and 740 advance in the Senate

Advanced Energy United has created a resource for state legislators and regulators in PJM that outlines 10 specific, proactive actions state decision-makers can take right now to effectively manage load growth.

Canary Media reports on California’s Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) program, facing over $100 million in proposed budget cuts, putting the future of virtual power plants at risk. United’s Edson Perez cautioned that repeated funding cuts undermines California’s efforts to keep the lights on during times of grid emergencies.

The Center Square covered a recent House Energy Committee hearing on electric transmission and emerging load growth in the Northeast. Industry experts, including United’s Chloe Holden, spoke to the benefits of implementing grid-enhancing technologies, advanced transmission technologies, and virtual power plants as a way to meet growing energy demand.

Advanced Energy United has released a new resource that summarizes the potential benefits of deploying three market-ready, non-gas tools to expand capacity in PJM states.

A new resource, developed by Advanced Energy United, draws on several recent studies focused on the PJM region that capture how advanced energy technologies enable near-term load growth. The report shows that these solutions have the potential to unlock gigawatts of capacity on the grid – as long as states and PJM take action to deploy these critical tools.

Virginia Gov. Youngkin guts energy affordability measures passed by the General Assembly and industry advocates weren’t fooled by a backdoor attempt to repeal the Virginia Clean Economy Act  

PV Magazine reports on RE+ Northeast’s panel “VPPs: Maximizing Their Value Through Smart Regulatory Choices,” where several advanced energy experts, including United’s Kat Burnham, discussed grid modernization strategies, and the role virtual power plants play in creating a more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective grid.

Today, California Assemblymember John Harabedian introduced a new bill that will allow Californians to leverage proven low-cost energy solutions to help prevent dangerous blackouts and strengthen our power grid amidst growing electricity demand.

Renewable Energy World reports that two bills, HB5856 and SB3959, are working their way through the Illinois General Assembly. The bills aim to establish Illinois’ first energy storage mandate, increase grid resilience, and decrease energy costs for consumers. United’s Trish Demeter spoke to the benefits of the bills and the importance of energy storage solutions to accommodate growing power demands within the state.