San Diego’s Virtual Power Plant: Rescuing the Grid During Peak Demand

• SDG&E is using advanced technology to pilot a virtual power plant (VPP) to reduce energy demand in San Diego and put electricity back on the grid during peak hours. Learn how the VPP is connected to customer-owned smart thermostats, rooftop solar, energy storage, and more.

SDG&E is piloting a virtual power plant (VPP) to reduce energy demand and put electricity back on the grid during peak hours in San Diego. This VPP is connected to customer-owned smart thermostats, rooftop solar, energy storage and other connected resources such as water pumps, and uses advanced software to aggregate and coordinate the functions of these small-scale, decentralized resources. During the August heatwave, the VPP was deployed three times, and performed as expected. As a result, SDG&E is considering expanding the program to other areas.
The VPP’s pilot in Shelter Valley involves single-family homes with existing rooftop solar and the Shelter Valley Community Center. Participants in the VPP can opt-out of certain devices, with an opt-out rate that has been very low. The pilot started in December 2020 and will end in December 2023. Since the start, the VPP has been tested through 17 simulated demand response events. As the VPP pilot continues, it may prove to be an effective solution to reduce energy demand and help communities better prepare for emergencies.

Can VPP Reduce Energy Demand in San Diego?

• Can VPP Reduce Energy Demand in San Diego?
  Yes, the VPP has already been deployed successfully in San Diego three times to reduce energy demand during peak hours.
• What homes have access to VPP?
  The VPP pilot is currently underway in Shelter Valley and covers single-family homes with existing rooftop solar, as well as the Shelter Valley Community Center.
• How long is the VPP pilot?
  The VPP pilot in Shelter Valley started in December 2020 and will end in December 2023.
• What has been the opt-out rate?
  The opt-out rate has been very low, indicating that participants are comfortable with the VPP.
• What tests has the VPP undergone?
  The VPP has been tested through 17 simulated demand response events.
• Could the VPP be expanded to other areas in San Diego?
  SDG&E is considering expanding the VPP to other areas in San Diego, and the pilot will help determine its feasibility.