What is a Virtual Power Plant? And why does it matter?

Have you heard the term Virtual Power Plant? It might sound a bit futuristic, but it’s here today — and your home could already be a part of it.  

At its core, the VPP is about homes, businesses and PGE working together through Flex Power programs to shift energy use away from the busiest times of day. Those small shifts help reduce strain on the energy grid, keep costs in check and support more reliable power for everyone.    

Across our communities, customers enrolled in Flex Power programs are creating the Flex Effect: small energy shifts at home adding up to a bigger impact for everyone.  

A community effort with big impact 

One great example? During the record-breaking heatwave in the summer of 2024. PGE customers collectively shifted more than 100 megawatts of electricity use each day. That’s the equivalent energy needed to power 70,000 homes. 

These small actions helped ensure reliable power when it was needed most and reduced the need to purchase additional energy on the open market when prices were at their highest. That means more stability for the grid and fewer expenses passed along to customers. 

One small shift may not feel like much on its own. But when thousands of customers shift together, those actions can add up quickly. 

Find the energy shift that fits your lifestyle 

You don't need solar panels or a home battery to make a difference. Many customers are already participating in the VPP without even realizing it. And if you’re not yet enrolled, Flex Power programs offer simple ways for anyone to shift energy use.  

• Smart Thermostat program: Earn rewards for letting PGE make small, automatic adjustments to your thermostat during occasional Peak Time Events. 

• Peak Time Rebates: Earn rebates for shifting your energy use away from high-demand times, like waiting to do laundry or run the dishwasher. 

• Time of Day pricing: Pay less when you use less energy from 5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays. Simple shifts in when you use energy can lead to year-round savings. 

• EV Smart Charging: Charge your electric vehicle during off-peak hours and earn credits for helping to reduce demand during peak times. 

Together, these Flex Power programs help create a more flexible energy system that can better respond when energy demand is highest.  

When energy demand spikes, every shift counts 

When temperatures rise or usage surges, demand on the grid can quickly climb. That’s when your participation in the VPP makes a real impact. Every small shift — like adjusting your thermostat or waiting to run major appliances — helps reduce strain on the system. 

Whether you’re cooling or heating your home with a smart thermostat or charging your EV a little later in the evening, you’re making a meaningful difference.  

A smarter grid starts at home 

The Virtual Power Plant isn’t a single location. It’s thousands of homes, businesses and devices working together. Through energy shifting with Flex Power programs, small actions can help support a more reliable, increasingly clean energy future for everyone.