By 2030, the US grid will need to add new resources to the grid to serve roughly 200 GW of demand during peak hours. By tripling the current capacity of VPPs, the US can address 10-20% of peak demand at a lower cost than with traditional bulk resources alone. Jen Downing, lead author of the DOE’s Pathways to Commercial Liftoff for VPPs report, will summarize what it will take and how momentum is building across the market. LPO Senior Investment Advisor Suresh Vasan will provide additional detail on how DOE’s Loan Programs Office can support VPP projects with low-cost financing.

-    Delving into the operational and technical framework of the program
-    Evaluating the program’s effectiveness in terms of energy contribution to the grid, participant engagement, and financial incentives
-    Extracting key lessons learned from the program’s implementation, including insights into consumer behavior, technological challenges, and administrative processes
-    Assessing the long-term sustainability of the program in the context of evolving energy markets and technological advancements
 

-    Fostering collaboration between key stakeholders i-e policymakers, industry leaders, and VPP operators, to support market growth 
-    Debating strategies to bridge policy gaps that could hinder VPP development and integration
-    Anticipating future policy needs in the rapidly evolving VPP landscape
 

-    Highlighting the task force’s role in creating an effective process for the VPP market
-    Building confidence across key stakeholders with new approaches, such as increasing energy caps for the pilot and expanding the types of ancillary services, to scale up the market
-    Creating strategies to ensure broader and more diverse participation in VPPs while ensuring adequate customer protections are in place
-    Balancing business models with learning and adaptation in an evolving market
 

-    Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in Texas, given its position as a decentralized energy market
-    Discussing the influence and contributions of significant industry players, including ADER providers and retail electric providers
-    Exploring how government policies and regulations could facilitate or hinder adoption
-    Exploring alternative models for VPP participation that could lead to significant engagement and effective integration into the energy market
 

-    Understanding the role of consumer adoption of technologies like solar PV, batteries, and smart home devices in driving VPP initiatives
-    Discussing customer motivations to mitigate the barriers to participation
-    Sharing insights into strategies for acquiring and retaining customers in VPP initiatives, from communication techniques incentive programs to educational initiatives that drive customer participation and satisfaction
-    Learning how incentives can be structured and processed to promote participant involvement in DER programs
 

-    Understanding why some coops have been slower to take advantage of VPP programs
-    Discussing the challenges and opportunities in data management, customer privacy, and collaboration with utilities for data access
-    Addressing the differences in regulatory environments across regions and how they impact VPP operations and growth
-    Exploring advancements in VPP technology, smart grid integration, and potential future developments
-    Discussing the market differences in various regions, strategies for customer engagement, and the role of VPPs in enhancing energy efficiency and grid stability

-    Addressing the difficulties in controlling behind-the-meter assets, data access, and consumer engagement
-    Understanding the Importance of real-time energy data for consumer awareness and engagement
-    Highlighting the intersection between robust broadband connectivity and the development of smart grids
 

-    Examining the integration of electric vehicles in VPPs, including unidirectional and bidirectional usage
-    Discussing the challenges related to controlling and integrating EVs for grid flexibility
-    Evaluating the role of transportation electrification in enhancing VPP efficiency
 

-    Highlighting strategies to increase inclusivity and access, particularly for energy-burdened communities
-    Discussing the importance of customer safety and data privacy in VPP operations
-    Reviewing strategies to ensure social equity in VPP access and benefits
-    Addressing the importance of cybersecurity in VPP operations, focusing on communication protocols and system security

-    Discussing operational challenges such as asset control, visibility, data access, and the integration of devices from various manufacturers
-    Reviewing the technical challenges in setting up VPPs, including issues with communication and telemetry
-    Latest technological advancements and service models in the VPP sector