#United States #Oakland #Virtual Power Plant #Ava Community Energy #Lunar Energy

Ava Community Energy's Revolutionary Initiative

In a bold step towards sustainability and customer empowerment, Ava Community Energy has unveiled its new Virtual Power Plant (VPP) initiative, designed to help its two million customers maximize energy investments while simultaneously relieving pressure from the electric grid. This initiative is set to redefine how distributed energy resources (DERs), such as home batteries and electric vehicles, are managed and utilized to enhance overall grid performance without compromising the comfort of the end users.

At its core, the VPP concept revolves around aggregating various DERs, allowing for remote monitoring and management to improve grid reliability and reduce costs for consumers. This innovative strategy is not only an opportunity for customers to get the most out of their energy investments by optimizing their connected devices, but it also paves the way for a more resilient energy infrastructure. Ava aims to maximize the use of renewable energy, thereby lowering costs and mitigating emissions.

Central to this initiative is the collaboration with Lunar Energy, whose Gridshare platform provides the technical foundation necessary for the successful implementation of the VPP. Through this partnership, Ava will leverage Lunar's robust Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) to oversee and optimize the myriad of devices that contribute to the VPP, ensuring that they work harmoniously with the energy grid.

Ava's strategy builds upon the success of its previous pilot program, the Resilient Home project, launched in 2020. This initiative saw over 1,200 participants utilize their home batteries to discharge power during peak demand times, effectively reducing Ava's overall energy load and reliance on external power sources. Howard Chang, CEO of Ava Community Energy, highlighted the importance of this customer-centric approach, stating, "We are focusing on delivering value to our customers while promoting a transition to 100% carbon-free power by 2030."

This VPP program stands as a crucial aspect of Ava's comprehensive plan to cultivate greener energy solutions for the community. By promising to optimize energy use within residential homes and businesses and allowing customers to contribute to grid stability, Ava is effectively setting the stage for a collaborative approach to clean energy consumption.

The first phase of Ava's VPP program, known as the Ava SmartHome Charging program, is now live and specifically designed for electric vehicle (EV) owners who charge at home. Customers participating in this program can earn up to $100 annually in incentives, along with additional savings on their electricity bills associated with charging.

In the pipeline is another program that will cater to residential solar and battery storage customers, anticipated to launch in the fall of 2025. These initiatives underscore Ava's commitment to providing competitive energy rates while also fostering a community-oriented platform that encourages the adoption of clean energy technologies.

Overall, Ava Community Energy's Virtual Power Plant initiative represents not just a leap towards a sustainable energy future, but also a substantial step in offering enhanced value to customers. By prioritizing customer experience and leveraging advanced technology, Ava is poised to make a significant impact in the energy landscape, which is increasingly complicated yet incentivized for transitioning towards cleaner systems.

As Ava continues to grow and adapt to meet community needs, its actions serve as a model for other energy providers aiming to integrate innovative solutions that benefit both customers and the environment. With a clear vision for the future and a focus on community-oriented energy solutions, Ava Community Energy is leading the charge in the clean energy revolution.