California's innovative Distributed Storage Program has emerged as a game-changer for grid management, offering substantial financial benefits to ratepayers while providing critical support during periods of high energy demand. By aggregating distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar installations and battery storage systems, the program utilizes Tesla and other companies' technologies to reduce strain on the electrical grid, with recent events demonstrating its potential to deliver significant capacity.

People often complain about the high costs of energy and the fact that they “never have time to workout.” This invention certainly solves both conundrums. And, most importantly, this free power invention has the potential to

Women with little to no formal education trained to become solar technicians, transforming villages and tackling patriarchal norms

Amid emergency conditions from summer heat and power generation shortfalls, Sunrun answers urgent utility requests to dispatch energy from…...

The aggregated DER pilot, which includes Tesla and Bandera Electric as participants, aims to harness 80 MW of flexible resources on the Texas grid, but it has not reached that goal due to various limi...

University of Waterloo start-up has raised US$1.8 million in pre-seed funding; is launching a new bottom-up platform to ease EV charging

In an effort to optimize its grid operations and capitalize on growing demand for renewable energy, PG&E has partnered with San Francisco-based solar and storage company White Pine Renewables to deploy large-scale batteries in residential and commercial settings. Utilizing these grid-scale batteries, such as the 0.83 MW Tesla battery system installed at the Blackwell's Corner project, allows for more efficient management of peak power generation during solar surges, reducing the strain on transformers and enabling utilities to better participate in the day-ahead market.

AI data centers have power demand patterns similar to steel mills, with “very fast, very large ramps,” according to David Penny, director of reliability services for Texas RE. 

The energy landscape is poised for a significant shift as the Ontario government and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) embark on a competitive program for local generation resources. The move, set to launch by early 2026, aims to tap into the potential benefits of wider competition in the wholesale energy market. A recent demonstration

A significant demonstration of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) capabilities took place in California, as over 100,000 residential batteries combined to produce 1.3 gigawatts of power on a single Tuesday in July, supporting the state's energy grid and highlighting the growing potential of virtual power plants (VPPs).

Texas witnessed significant shifts in its energy landscape during the first five months of 2025. Solar power generation experienced a notable increase, jumping 52% compared to the same period in 2024. Simultaneously, overall energy consumption across the state has surged, with usage rising by 7.5% year-over-year. This increase in demand is coupled with a shift in fuel sources, with coal usage showing an uptick while natural gas consumption has decreased. ERCOT is actively addressing these trends and planning for future energy needs. Two workshops are scheduled: one focusing on managing large energy loads, set for this Friday, and another dedicated to residential demand response, planned for Monday. These sessions aim to foster better understanding and strategies for handling evolving energy demands. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) is also seeking public input. They have requested comments regarding the interconnection of distributed energy resources (DER) by June 27th, aiming to refine processes and accommodate the growing integration of localized power generation. Subscribers to Grid Roundup benefit from access to a complete historical record, curated reading and podcast recommendations, exclusive podcast episodes – including a recent legislative recap featuring Claire Hao of the Houston Chronicle – and access to special presentations and online discussions.

Texas is pioneering a new approach to energy management with the launch of a virtual power plant (VPP) program. Unlike traditional power plants, a VPP isn't a single, physical structure; instead, it's a connected network of distributed energy resources, primarily homes equipped with solar panels and battery storage systems. This innovative program allows homeowners to contribute their surplus energy back into the state’s electrical grid, effectively transforming their residences into small-scale power generators. The core function of the VPP involves homeowners with existing solar and battery setups selling their excess energy back to the grid. This process is facilitated by sophisticated software and technology, which manages the entire distributed energy network and ensures efficient energy delivery. The initiative aims to provide multiple benefits, including bolstering the stability of the power grid, decreasing the state's reliance on conventional energy sources, and offering financial rewards to participating homeowners. The development of this Texas program reflects a larger, global trend in energy management. Countries like China are already implementing similar VPPs on a massive scale, demonstrating the growing recognition of distributed energy resources as a vital component of a modern, resilient energy infrastructure. This initiative aligns with broader technological advancements, echoing innovations seen in areas like iPadOS, Google Maps, and the application of AI within Microsoft Excel, showcasing a focus on technological solutions and user-centric design.