The devices, about the size of a microwave, charge when electricity demand is low and discharge during peak hours, according to multiple reports. The program is run by Every Electric in partnership with Con Edison, and participants receive cash rebates, reports say.
When electricity demand spikes, utilities often turn to backup power plants that are less efficient and more polluting, Kevin Brehm, a manager at RMI, told The Independent - Main. Spikes can also push utilities to build more power plants, often fossil-fuel based, with costs passed to consumers. Power companies frequently ask residents to conserve energy during the hottest days and set higher rates during peak hours. However, demand response strategies can be hard to rely on because consumer behavior is uncertain, Brehm said. Virtual power plant programs, which connect thousands of small energy devices, aim to reduce strain during peak demand.
There’s a question of emissions, and then there’s also a really important question around affordability.
can be hard to rely on because they don’t know exactly how consumers are going to behave