Google-Funded Virtual Power Plant Aims to Reduce Energy Demand in California
Google has fully funded a new virtual power plant (VPP) initiative in California called SHARE. The project, which includes partners like Tesla, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), and Sunrun, aims to reduce energy demand during peak periods by aggregating home battery systems, smart devices, and battery-enabled heat pumps.
The program will operate in Santa Clara and Alameda counties, with PG&E describing it as a proof-of-concept designed to add capacity, support grid reliability, and lower costs for participants. The utility is working with Tesla, Sunrun, and Renew Home to enroll roughly 21,000 existing flexible energy devices.
Carrier is the launch partner for deployments, offering its battery-enabled heat pump solution, which automatically shifts energy consumption to reduce costs and maintain comfort. Through SHARE, customers can receive $5,000 off the Carrier system, with 25 households eligible for $10,000 in discounts.