How 'virtual power plants' help reduce peak power demand in New England
How 'virtual power plants' help reduce peak power demand in New England
On the hottest afternoons this summer, thousands of internet-connected thermostats, home solar panels and battery systems helped reduce the strain on the electric grid. These "virtual power plants" may be a key part of the future of electricity.
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19144861
This isn't anything new. In the 90s, some power companies would give away hot water heaters for free if they were allowed to control them. Then they'd turn down the heat by a few degrees during peak hours.
This would be great except my thermostat always offers me rewards for the neighboring power provider instead of my actual provider.
Granted, I'd prefer to be on that grid like they suggest I already am, but alas it is not possible. I'm not from Massachusetts for the record.