Virtual Power Plants: From Demonstration Projects to Grid Resources
Virtual power plants (VPPs) are evolving from demonstration projects into grid resources as states increasingly recognize the…Read the full report …...
Visual Primer: Virtual Power Plants – From Demonstration Projects to Grid Resources
Virtual power plants (VPPs) are evolving from demonstration projects into grid resources as states increasingly recognize the ability of aggregated distributed energy resources (DERs) to support a more flexible and resilient electric grid. Recent legislative measures, regulatory actions, and utility initiatives reflect the role of VPPs in resource planning and grid operations amid growing electricity demand.
U.S. Energy Department Approves $3.26 Billion Loan for AEP Texas to Expand Grid Infrastructure
The U.S. Energy Department on July 8 approved a loan of up to $3.26 billion for AEP Texas to expand and modernize the state’s transmission system, extending the Trump administration’s effort to strengthen domestic energy infrastructure. The financing, provided through the Office of Energy Dominance Financing, is expected to lower long-term electricity costs, improve grid…...
New Jersey Enacts Legislation to Lower Utility Bills and Reform Data Center Electricity Costs
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill on July 7 signed three legislative measures aimed at lowering electricity costs by eliminating an added transmission incentive for utilities, strengthening oversight of utility infrastructure investments, and requiring large data centers to bear a greater share of electricity and grid costs. The legislation, together with energy affordability initiatives advanced during…...
FERC Orders Grid Operators to Revamp Rules for Data Centers and Large Power Users
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on June 18 directed the nation’s six regional grid operators to justify existing rules or propose reforms aimed at accommodating rapidly growing demand from data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, and other energy-intensive customers. The action reflects mounting concerns that existing transmission planning and service processes are not keeping pace with…...
Texas Approves First-of-Its-Kind Grid Connection Framework for Data Centers and Large Power Users
The Texas Public Utility Commission on June 18 approved a new process developed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to evaluate large electricity users seeking access to the state’s power grid, marking a significant shift in how rapidly growing demand from data centers and other large facilities will be managed. The framework, known as…...
Visual Primer: Growing Scrutiny of PJM Amid Rising Demand, Rates, and Reliability Concerns
PJM Interconnection LLC, which operates the grid across 13 states and the District of Columbia, is pursuing market, planning, and interconnection reforms as rapidly growing demand raises concerns about resource adequacy, infrastructure readiness, and consumer costs. The effort comes amid growing debate over ensuring reliability, attracting new generation investment, and allocating costs as electricity demand accelerates.