Largest virtual power plant in U.S. to provide low-cost electricity amid extreme heat: 'More resilient for everyone'
This article was originally posted on MSN News on 1st June 2024.California is home to the nation's largest virtual power plant, and it will likely play a critical role in supporting the state's electric grid during the hot summer months.
Electrek reported that Sunrun, a solar and storage company, has created a virtual power plant, called CalReady, which connects customers' solar-plus-storage systems to address power grid demands, reduce the risk of rolling blackouts, and lower electricity costs.
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Virtual power plants are made up of small-scale energy resources, like solar batteries. Hundreds to thousands of homes can be connected to provide power like a traditional power plant. However, this type of system uses stored renewable energy.
Sunrun's Peak Power Rewards program launched in 2023 with a partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Sunrun incentivized 8,500 customers with a $750 reward to share their stored energy with the grid from August to October between 7 and 9 p.m.
