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MCE’s Virtual Power Plant Pilot in Richmond

Energy that’s cleaner for Richmond and more reliable for everyone.

Richmond home receives an all-electric, carbon-free makeover.

Cleaner and more reliable energy for everyone, while reducing costs.

Participants of a groundbreaking virtual power plant pilot in Richmond, CA will receive low- to no-cost energy efficiency and electrification equipment to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and receive credits on their energy bills. In exchange, participants allow their devices to be part of MCE’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to reduce load and grid strain during critical times, and increase load when grid conditions are favorable. This helps make Richmond’s energy cleaner and more reliable for everyone, while reducing costs. Led by the ZNE Alliance and MCE, with support from the California Energy Commission, the pilot project is available by invitation for homes and businesses in Richmond, CA.

What Is MCE’s Virtual Power Plant?

A virtual power plant (VPP) is a bidirectional energy source. It provides electricity to the grid, and, when there are market opportunities, it can also receive energy. However, instead of being sited in one place like a physical power plant, a VPP harnesses energy resources that are distributed across an entire participating community.

By coordinating these devices, VPPs can quickly supply power to the grid, take power from the grid, or lower energy consumption during critical times to reduce grid-strain. With enough smart-homes, a utility can reduce costs and pass savings on to customers in the form of direct payment, credits, or reduced rates, saving people money while supporting efficient and grid-smart energy usage.

The VPP’s bidirectional flow capabilities provide a unique ability to participate in practically all markets of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and capture value from those markets in a way previously unexplored by the Community Choice movement. This ability makes MCE’s VPP an innovative, cutting-edge approach to local energy production and consumption.

Traditional Power Plant

One central source of power
One physical location
Can add energy supply to the grid

Virtual Power Plant

Several smaller energy technologies at homes and businesses connected virtually, such as solar panels and battery storage
Different locations across a community
Can both add energy supply, reduce energy demand to the grid, and increase load when it is needed

Benefits

For Homes

Low- to no-cost offerings may include smart home energy monitors, heat pump space and water heaters, battery storage, EV charging, and other smart equipment
Modernizes your appliances and electrical system
Reduces energy usage and lowers monthly bills
Earn on-bill credits up to $50/month
Contributes to a clean and sustainable grid for the entire community

For Businesses

Low- to no-cost offerings may include lighting controls, load monitoring equipment, battery storage, EV chargers, smart thermostats, and other smart equipment
Manages and modernizes your energy use and electrical system
Provides end-to-end financial and technical support – from securing incentives, to contracting, installing, and commissioning the equipment
Reduces energy usage and lowers monthly bills
Earn on-bill credits up to $300/month; industrial sites can earn up to $750/month
Contributes to a clean and sustainable grid for the entire community

FAQ

How can I participate in MCE’s VPP?

The current phase of this pilot is by invitation only. To help manage energy usage during critical times, eligible participants will be asked to allow MCE to make small, automatic changes to their installed energy technologies. Participants will receive financial and technical support throughout the process and receive a customized proposal for grid-smart technology to install in their homes or businesses.

Will you be expanding the VPP to communities beyond Richmond?

Currently the City of Richmond is the only eligible community, however, we intend to expand the program throughout our service area, including Contra Costa, Marin, Napa and Solano counties. The Richmond pilot is anticipated to run through 2025. We will be announcing when the project opens up to additional communities.

How is a VPP different from a microgrid?

A microgrid can provide electricity to a localized area, such as a neighborhood or critical facility, during outages. This has the potential to create public community gathering places. Different to this, MCE’s VPP creates resiliency in individual homes and businesses, allowing you to stay home or keep your operations going during a power outage, despite others losing power around you.

How much does it cost to participate?

Packages will vary by site. Projects are designed to be low-cost or no-cost and save money. For many, there will be no out-of-pocket costs. Financing may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Do you have a resource on how to implement VPPs in my community?

Yes. Download our Virtual Power Plant Playbook (pdf) to get started.

MCE’s Virtual Power Plant Pilot in Richmond

Energy that’s cleaner for Richmond and more reliable for everyone.

Cleaner and more reliable energy for everyone, while reducing costs.