Christopher Mills’ Post

What if VPPs could deliver precise, automated load shape adjustments similar to conventional generation? Our new dynamic load shaping technology is making this a reality, allowing utilities to automatically coordinate and dispatch distributed energy resources (DERs) like batteries and smart thermostats to achieve predetermined load profiles. Here's how some of our clients used dynamic load shaping this summer: 1️⃣ National Grid: Dispatched both thermostats and residential batteries seamlessly in the same event to create a flat load shape. 2️⃣ Large East Coast IOU: Delivered three hours of consistent VPP output with no snapback using 10,000 thermostats. 3️⃣ Arizona Public Service - APS: Optimized solar availability and aligned dispatch with customer time-of-use rates, achieving over seven hours of increasing load shed. 🔗 Read the full article to learn more about how EnergyHub is delivering the next generation of VPPs with dynamic load shaping. https://lnkd.in/g3wyZCCE #VirtualPowerPlants #GridFlexibility #DERMS #LoadShaping #MachineLearning #EnergyTech

Hello LinkedIn network! 🌟🔌 Transitioning to smart grids isn't just about installing smart meters. Their true potential shines with robust real-time communication, something many utilities still don't quite get! Investing in high-tech meters is pointless if they're read just once a day. The communication infrastructure must keep up with grid expansion for efficient energy management. #SmartGrids #EnergyManagement #RealTimeData #SmartMeters #GridTech #SustainableEnergy 🔗 Click the link below for the full article 🌱 https://lnkd.in/ereSSH25

Can smart tech be the key to unlocking greater grid efficiency and savings for utilities? See how innovations like smart meters and predictive analytics are transforming energy management. Read it now: https://lnkd.in/gsCa5wNP #smartgrid

Hello LinkedIn community! 🌐✨ In today's rapidly evolving energy sector, traditional supply-focused methods alone fall short in managing the intricate balance required by modern power systems. It's time for a shift towards holistic grid modernization strategies that tap into the vast potential of customer demand management. Advanced Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs are not just a tool; they are a strategic asset. 🔄💡 #GridModernization #SustainableEnergy #DemandSideManagement #EnergySector #SmartMeter #AMI #EnergyStorage 🔗 Click the link below for the full article 🌱🌍🔋 https://lnkd.in/eeHHgRTR

Visibility and intelligence at the grid edge – and how they enable efficient investment by utilities – is an idea whose time has arrived. It is clear by now that load growth will stress our grid and that existing grid management practices, especially on distribution circuits, risk driving up costs to electricity consumers in an era of peaky load and intermittent generation. Utility dive makes a good point that building a system that can react, in real time, to localized stresses on specific distribution circuits will enable higher grid utilization and allow us to get more out of existing capacity and invest more efficiently in future capacity. In a world of rising demand and rising rates deferring and optimizing grid investment is a source of value that must be tapped. In the C&I world, an emerging way of controlling load is flexible interconnection – allowing newly interconnected loads access to more power when the distribution grid is underutilized and reducing power draws when it is near capacity. But flexible interconnection 1.0 is often times a blunt instrument, for instance reducing capacity every day at a specific time when grid stress may occur regardless of actual grid status. That’s not terrible, it’s better than being denied interconnection which is the other option. However, grid edge intelligence, visibility, and communication could allow for much more efficient approaches – for example sending customers with a flexible interconnection instructions to curtail load when the grid is stressed. That allows for less business disruption to customers and better utilization of grid capacity by utilities. PG&E is piloting a program that does that called Flex Connect. With onsite DERs including solar, EV charging, BESS, and facilities load management (e.g. HVAC or refrigeration) becoming increasingly common, C&I electricity users can manage the cost of compliance and utilities can rest easily while customer-side micro-grid management systems ensure that load is actually managed to meet utility network needs. At truCurrent, we believe that the energy transition enables collaboration between utility and customer is a win-win, with benefits to both sides. DER deployment, interconnection, and intelligent management will be the focus of that collaboration. It will require a change how business is done, but utilities that can send the right signals about load management and customers that can receive and act on them will ultimately build a more efficient machine, benefitting the bottom line of utility, customer and non-participating rate payer. https://lnkd.in/gS2csew3

We must #modernize the #grid to deliver #clean #electricity reliably, efficiently, and affordably to everyone who depends on it (that's all of us). NEMA’s Distribution Automation in the Energy Transition publication will help grid operators maintain reliability as they manage extreme weather and unprecedented demand growth from electric vehicles, building electrification, and data centers. Smart grid and distribution automation technologies are the eyes and ears of grid operators, providing visibility to millions of miles of power distribution lines. Policymakers, public utility commissions, and manufacturers must continue to drive investment and deployment of modern grid technologies to keep up with changing grid dynamics. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) values our partnerships with these key stakeholders as we work together to manage the transition to a clean energy future.

"In the C&I world, an emerging way of controlling load is flexible interconnection – allowing newly interconnected loads access to more power when the distribution grid is underutilized and reducing power draws when it is near capacity. But flexible interconnection 1.0 is often times a blunt instrument, for instance reducing capacity every day at a specific time when grid stress may occur regardless of actual grid status. That’s not terrible, it’s better than being denied interconnection which is the other option. However, grid edge intelligence, visibility, and communication could allow for much more efficient approaches – for example sending customers with a flexible interconnection instructions to curtail load when the grid is stressed."

7 Years waiting for power ?!?!?? The growing demand for energy is outpacing the capabilities of public utilities and traditional power grids, creating a significant challenge for industries reliant on reliable, sustainable energy. This challenge is particularly acute in the data center sector, where uninterrupted power is not just a necessity but a cornerstone of operations. The case for behind-the-grid energy solutions, such as microgrids and district energy systems, is becoming increasingly compelling as these systems offer a viable path forward in meeting energy demands efficiently and sustainably. Public utilities are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of energy demand growth, especially as the world becomes increasingly digital and data-driven. This strain is felt across various sectors but is particularly impactful for data centers, which require highly reliable, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions to maintain their operations. The risks of relying solely on the public grid are significant—ranging from outages and instability to the inability to meet future growth needs. Behind-the-grid solutions, such as microgrids and district energy systems, offer a robust alternative by providing localized, resilient, and efficient energy generation and distribution. These systems can be tailored to the specific needs of data centers, ensuring that energy supply is both reliable and adaptable to future growth. Moreover, they can integrate renewable energy sources and advanced storage solutions, further enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. At Cordia, we understand the critical importance of reliable energy access for data centers. Our approach is to accelerate this access through innovative financing, development, and operational strategies. We offer a comprehensive solution that not only meets the energy demands of today but also future-proofs your operations against the challenges of tomorrow. We specialize in financing, developing, operating, and potentially owning microgrids and district energy systems, allowing data centers to focus on their core business without the burden of capital expenditure. By partnering with Cordia, you can initiate operations more quickly, reduce your environmental impact, and ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply. If you’re ready to explore how Cordia can help you enhance energy access, reliability, and sustainability for your data center, contact me to discuss how we can tailor our solutions to meet your specific needs. Let’s work together to ensure your operations are powered by energy solutions designed for the future. #energy #datacenter #districtenergy

🌐 Overcoming Hurdles in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Adoption 🌱 Virtual power plants (VPPs) hold immense potential to reduce future generation and transmission investments. However, limited accountability and technology challenges are hindering their wider adoption. To unlock VPPs' full benefits, significant investments in distribution grids, advanced metering, and robust data integration are essential. By improving visibility and reliability, VPPs can become integral to utility resource planning, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future. #VPP #VirtualPowerPlants #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyInnovation #GridTechnology #RenewableEnergy #SmartGrid #UtilityInnovation #ClimateAction https://lnkd.in/gpxKaJHd