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This policy brief by RMI argues that virtual power plants (VPPs)—aggregations of distributed energy resources like batteries and smart thermostats—have reached a scale capable of replacing traditional power plants but are not being adequately integrated into utility long-term planning. The document highlights that while VPPs are increasingly mentioned in regulatory filings, they are often not modeled as selectable resources on an equal footing with conventional generation, leading to a risk of inefficient grid overbuilding.

This policy brief by RMI argues that Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) can mitigate the grid constraints currently delaying the interconnection of data centers and other large loads in the United States. The document proposes three commercial models to accelerate VPP deployment and suggests policy reforms in interconnection, integrated planning, and customer protection to ensure the US remains competitive in the AI race.

This supplemental report by RMI addresses the barriers to scaling Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in the United States, specifically focusing on the challenges posed by inconsistent metering and telemetry requirements for distributed energy resources (DERs).

This policy brief outlines how virtual power plants (VPPs)—aggregations of distributed energy resources—can address Michigan's aging distribution grid, blackout incidents, and narrowing capacity for peak demand while supporting clean energy standards of 80% by 2035 and 100% by 2040.

This briefing by RMI outlines how local governments in Texas can accelerate the deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) and virtual power plants (VPPs) to enhance grid reliability, reduce costs, and increase resilience against extreme weather.

This policy brief from RMI argues that Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are a viable solution for utilities and regulators to manage electricity grid stress caused by growing loads and extreme weather during summer peaks.

The Virtual Power Plant Flipbook is a guide by RMI designed to help utilities and stakeholders implement virtual power plants (VPPs) by providing a collection of case studies and a comparison matrix. It defines VPPs as aggregations of distributed energy resources used to enhance grid reliability, resilience, and decarbonization.

This briefing by RMI argues that achieving economy-wide decarbonization through the electrification of everything requires a proactive, holistic approach to grid modernization. The author advocates for a combination of "big wires" (high-voltage transmission), "small wires" (distribution system upgrades), and "non-wires" solutions (virtual power plants and demand response) to accommodate growing electricity demand from data centers, manufacturing, and electric vehicle fleets.

This policy brief by RMI outlines principles for energy regulators and policymakers to leverage virtual power plants (VPPs) to enhance grid affordability and reliability by aggregating customer-sited distributed energy resources (DERs).

This policy brief, authored by the VP3 Regulatory and Policy Strategy Working Group and published by RMI, establishes a set of foundational policy principles designed to enable the growth and integration of virtual power plants (VPPs). The document outlines 17 principles across five key areas—DER asset base, VPP design, equitable compensation, customer experience, and utility/system operator roles—to guide policymakers and energy industry stakeholders in creating a fair and efficient environment for VPPs over a one-to-four-year horizon.

This case study examines how Gogoro transitioned from a stealth startup to a global leader in light electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping by employing an 'emergence strategy.' The company focused on the two-wheeled urban scooter market, utilizing a combination of technical innovation, open battery standards, and diverse business models to scale rapidly across multiple countries.