Electric Cars

The US virtual power plant (VPP) sector is undergoing significant growth, reaching an impressive 37.5 gigawatts of flexible, behind-the-meter capacity. This expansion, detailed in a recent Wood Mackenzie analysis, highlights the increasing adoption of interconnected energy systems such as residential solar, battery storage solutions, electric vehicles, and smart home devices. These VPPs are instrumental in supporting grid stability during periods of high demand or emergencies, offering participants financial incentives.

US Virtual Power Plant Market Sees Rapid Expansion, Driven by EV and Battery Integration

According to Wood Mackenzie's comprehensive \"2025 North America Virtual Power Plant Market\" report, the VPP landscape is broadening significantly, with a more than 33% increase in company deployments, distinct buyers, and market programs over the last year. Despite this widespread activity, the overall capacity saw a more modest growth of under 14%. Ben Hertz-Shargel, Wood Mackenzie's global head of grid edge, attributed this slower capacity growth to factors like utility program limitations, adjustments in capacity accreditation, and other market obstacles.

A notable trend is the rising influence of residential customers in wholesale energy markets, with their share of capacity increasing from 8.8% in 2024 to 10.2%. However, smaller participants still face challenges, particularly concerning data access for enrollment and market settlements. Electric vehicles and battery storage are playing an increasingly vital role, with deployments incorporating these technologies now almost matching those utilizing smart thermostats, which traditionally dominated VPP initiatives. Leading states in VPP deployments include California, Texas, New York, and Massachusetts, collectively accounting for 37% of all such projects. Wholesale markets managed by PJM (serving 13 states and D.C.) and ERCOT (Texas), both experiencing substantial growth in data center commitments, also exhibit the highest disclosed VPP off-take capacity. Hertz-Shargel emphasized the dual opportunity presented by data centers: they introduce new load but also create a significant demand for VPPs as a new source of grid flexibility. The top 25 VPP off-takers each acquired over 100 megawatts this year, with more than half expanding their deployments by at least 30% compared to the previous year. This surge is fostering the emergence of an \"independent distributed power producer\" model, where companies leverage grid service revenues and energy arbitrage to fund third-party-owned storage for electricity retailers.

However, the sector also faces policy resistance. Many VPP aggregators and software providers are concerned about utilities integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) into their rate base under the Distributed Capacity Procurement model. Critics argue that this approach restricts private capital and aggregators from the DER market, rather than utilizing customer and third-party-owned resources. Furthermore, many wholesale market experts believe FERC Order 2222, intended to facilitate market participation, has not significantly improved market access for DERs.

The burgeoning VPP market, particularly with the integration of EVs and battery storage, signifies a transformative shift in energy management. It underscores a future where decentralized energy resources play a crucial role in grid stability and efficiency. Addressing policy hurdles and fostering greater collaboration between utilities and private entities will be essential to fully unleash the potential of VPPs and accelerate the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.

This weekend marks a significant moment for environmental consciousness, as two major initiatives, Drive Electric Month and Sun Day, converge to celebrate advancements in sustainable transportation and renewable energy. These events, spanning across continents, offer unique opportunities for public engagement, education, and advocacy towards a greener future. From interactive electric vehicle showcases to global solar power celebrations, the emphasis is on fostering a collective movement towards a more sustainable planet.

Global Celebrations Propel Sustainable Future: Drive Electric Month and Sun Day Unite Communities

This weekend, September 20-21, 2025, a wave of environmental enthusiasm will sweep across North America and beyond, as communities gather for the ongoing Drive Electric Month and the newly inaugurated Sun Day. These parallel movements are designed to highlight the profound benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) and solar energy, respectively, fostering a deeper understanding and wider adoption of sustainable practices.

Drive Electric Month, now in its fifteenth year, continues its expansive celebration with nearly 200 events. Originating as National Drive Electric Week in the United States, this initiative has grown to include gatherings across Canada and even a notable event in Guadalajara, Mexico. Organized by leading advocacy groups such as Plug In America, the Electric Vehicle Association, EVHybridNoire, Drive Electric USA, and the Sierra Club, the month-long festivities provide a platform for direct interaction between potential EV buyers and seasoned owners. These interactions are crucial, as many find traditional dealership experiences less than ideal for understanding EV ownership. Events range from intimate parking lot meet-ups and lively EV parades to grand festivals featuring live music, food trucks, and booths from automotive dealers and green businesses, ensuring a rich and varied experience for all attendees.

Simultaneously, September 21, 2025, heralds the first-ever Sun Day, a global observance championed by renowned author and environmental advocate Bill McKibben. This initiative aims to underscore the revolutionary impact of solar power, which has emerged as the most economical energy source on Earth. With nearly 300 registered events worldwide, Sun Day seeks to ignite a global dialogue on transitioning to a sun-powered planet. McKibben, through his recent writings, posits that current breakthroughs in solar technology offer a critical window to address the climate crisis and reshape global civilization around equitable energy access. Sun Day events, though primarily centered on September 21st, also span across various dates, with locations ranging from Europe and Canada to Australia, alongside numerous online engagements.

The convergence of these two movements is evident in many events that seamlessly blend both themes. For instance, an event in Whittier, California, scheduled for September 20th, will feature EV test drives, a tour of an electrified home, and an eco-scavenger hunt, embodying the integrated vision of a sustainable future. This synergy between Drive Electric Month and Sun Day events underscores a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, encouraging individuals to explore both electric transportation and solar energy solutions. These grassroots efforts, from large city festivals to small-town gatherings, empower communities to take tangible steps towards reducing carbon footprints and embracing cleaner energy alternatives.

For those interested in participating, comprehensive maps and event listings are available on the respective websites of Drive Electric Month and Sun Day. These resources offer details on event types, featured vehicles, and registration options, ensuring that everyone can find a way to engage with this global movement towards a sustainable and electrified world.

This dual celebration of electric vehicles and solar power serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's capacity for innovation and collective action. By participating in these events, individuals are not merely attending festivals; they are actively contributing to a global shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. The enthusiasm generated by Drive Electric Month and Sun Day highlights a growing societal commitment to harnessing clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, paving the way for a healthier planet for generations to come. It underscores the idea that meaningful change often begins at the community level, fueled by shared passion and a common vision for a greener world.