Platte River Power Authority Launches Virtual Power Plant Initiative
Platte River Power Authority, a public utility in Colorado, is teaming up with EnergyHub to create a virtual power plant (VPP). This collaboration aims to deliver dispatchable power to support a growing reliance on renewable energy sources.
Maia Jackson, communication supervisor for Platte River, mentioned in an email, “We believe the VPP will be a significant resource.” The first program of this initiative is set to kick off in late summer, initially focusing on smart thermostats, with electric vehicle (EV) charging management coming later in the year. These services will be available through Efficiency Works, a partnership designed to help both residential and commercial customers use energy more effectively through various programs and rebates.
The overall success and size of the VPP will hinge on how effective and cost-efficient these programs are, as well as customer engagement. Platte River aims to achieve 19 MW from customer distributed energy resources by 2030 and plans to add another 20 MW from four planned battery installations across its service areas.
Platte River provides electricity to communities such as Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland. The utility has been planning for this VPP as part of its strategy to ensure reliable, dispatchable power. Although the formal agreement was signed earlier this month, work has been ongoing since last year.
EnergyHub’s platform will allow the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) like smart thermostats and batteries into these VPPs, providing flexibility to the grid. The company will also offer a management system to help track energy needs across these devices, facilitating a connection between consumer technology and broader energy markets.
According to Jackson, the VPP is one of three strategies being implemented to reduce carbon emissions in the electric supply by over 80%. Alongside battery storage and aeroderivative turbines, the VPP will help create a more sustainable and reliable energy system, which increasingly relies on noncarbon energy sources like wind and solar.