The “virtual power plant” allows SDG&;E to control opted-in customers connected technology — like smart thermostats, rooftop solar, energy storage and water pumps — in order to reduce energy demand and put electricity back on the grid when strained.
Right now, the pilot program is only impacting the Shelter Valley residents in the pilot program. But SDG&E Chief Commercial Officer Miguel Romero anticipated that"When hundreds or thousands of businesses or homes are connected to a VPP and their resources are flexibly managed to charge or discharge electrons, they can help keep the lights on during hot summer days."
Participants in the pilot include single-family homes with existing rooftop solar and the Shelter Valley Community Center, which serves as a resource center for the community during emergencies. The center received free installation of two batteries onsite. This month, SDG&E used its pilot virtual power plant three times during peak power demand periods. When the VPP will be in use, participants receive a message about the potential for their devices to be turned off or discharge electricity to support the grid. Participants can opt-out for certain devices. So far, the opt-out rate has been very low, Valero said.
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