What's a Virtual Power Plant?

A VPP, for short, is when energy devices like batteries, EVs or smart thermostats are grouped and controlled together through signals from their local utility. They might export power onto the grid or simply reduce the amount of power they consume from the grid. This helps utilities react to times of stress when lots of power is being consumed (for instance during really hot days, when A/C is on for everyone). Before VPPs, utilities had to resort to either using really expensive and polluting gas plants, or even shutting off power entirely. So by being part of a VPP, you're helping make the grid more affordable and cleaner to all.