– Gridlab commissioned study examined five technologies for VPPs
– Deployment of VPPs in California could save consumers over $1.25 billion per year
– VPPs could save US utilities up to $35 billion in the next decade
A study commissioned by non-profit organisation Gridlab analyzed five commercially available technologies, including smart thermostats, batteries, electric vehicle charging, water heating, and demand response systems. The combined use of these technologies could potentially add over 7.5GW of capacity by 2035 in California, significantly increasing demand response capabilities. The deployment of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in the state could result in over half a billion dollars in consumer savings and avoid over $750 million in annual system costs, reducing the need for new power plants and transmission line upgrades.
According to a report by the Brattle Group, VPPs have the potential to save US utilities up to $35 billion in the next decade with the deployment of 60GW of VPP capacity. Gridlab’s executive director, Ric O’Connell, emphasizes the importance of VPPs in providing affordable and clean generating capacity, as well as supporting grid reliability in the face of rising utility bills in the state. The report highlights the significant benefits of VPPs in addressing energy challenges and enhancing grid resiliency in California and beyond.