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 and businesses working together with PGE to shift energy use away from times of highest demand. By doing that, we reduce strain on the grid, lower energy costs and improve reliability for everyone.    

Across our communities, people are stepping up to help make energy more reliable and smart devices are part of that solution.  

A community effort with big impact 

On two of the hottest days of last summer’s heatwave, PGE customers collectively shifted more than 100 megawatts of electricity use each day. That’s the equivalent of taking 70,000 homes off the grid during those critical hours. 

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. 

Every action counts and when thousands of customers work together, the impact is powerful. 

Simple ways to join in 

You don't need solar panels or a home battery to make a difference. There are simple ways to join in — no matter your setup. In fact, many customers are already participating in the VPP through one of the programs below without even realizing it.  

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

• Peak Time Rebates: Get rewarded 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. 

Each of these programs helps create a more dynamic, flexible grid that can adapt to real-time needs especially during extreme heat, cold or other peak usage events.  

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 all of us, working together to keep energy flowing where and when it’s needed most. With a few small changes and the right tools, your home can help power a cleaner, more resilient energy future for everyone.