A virtual power plant (VPP) aggregates household devices like smart thermostats, EV chargers, home batteries, and solar panels for utility control during peak demand. Utilities adjust thermostats or delay EV charging, offering bill discounts and signing bonuses. Energy Hub CEO Seth Frader-Thompson says thermostat programs offer $50–$150 upfront plus $25–$50 annually, while batteries and EVs can yield hundreds or thousands in savings. As of 2023, over 500 VPP programs operated in the US, with 4 million smart thermostat households enrolled. UC Berkeley’s Severin Borenstein warns poorly designed programs may pay for unused energy, raising costs for nonparticipants. Most current VPPs don’t export battery power to the grid, but battery-to-grid programs are growing.

To sign up, check your utility’s website for terms like "demand response," "peak rewards," or "managed charging." Device manufacturers — via thermostat, EV, or battery apps — often promote enrollment directly. Confirm device compatibility, as supported brands vary. Enrollment may involve app clicks, utility forms, or third-party verification. Evaluate savings against comfort trade-offs and program reliability before joining.