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Grid Integration

Communication, Engagement, and Trust: The Foundation of a Virtual Power Plant

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Location: Titian 2305, Level 2, The Venetian
Storage EVs

Learning Level: 101: Applies to those with limited experience of the topic and seeking foundational understanding of the content.
Grid interactive buildings and devices (GEBs) are a critical asset class for load shaping, grid stabilization, resilience, and storage. However, among homeowners with grid interactive capable devices, only 10% participate in available utility programs. With the growing proliferation of GEBs, microgrids, and a range of energy storage assets, the future of energy services will be defined by increased transaction and collaboration between utilities, technology providers, and energy consumers, resulting in a vast array of virtual power plants (VPPs). In this session, panelists will explore the current state of GEB utilization in the utility marketplace, lessons to be gleaned from 2022 events, the role of communications and engagement in realizing VPP success, and strategies to expand and effectively leverage these technologies as an asset class.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the potential benefits of grid interactive buildings and devices (GEBs) as critical assets for load shaping, grid stabilization, resilience, and storage. Explore the reasons why only a small percentage of homeowners with grid interactive capable devices currently participate in available utility programs.
  • Gain insights into the current state of GEB utilization in the utility marketplace and learn from the lessons of past events in 2022. Explore the role of communication and engagement in realizing the success of virtual power plants (VPPs) and the increased transaction and collaboration between utilities, technology providers, and energy consumers.
  • Explore strategies to expand the adoption and effective utilization of GEBs as an asset class. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of integrating GEBs, microgrids, and energy storage assets into the energy services landscape. Identify key strategies that can help utilities, technology providers, and energy consumers effectively leverage these technologies for grid optimization, enhanced energy services, and the development of virtual power plants.