California’s VPP could play a bigger role in grid planning—if it survives budget cuts. (Utility Dive)
The Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) program aggregates residential batteries into a dispatchable resource, already reaching the scale of a gas peaker with 500+ MW delivered in a July test.
Brattle projects DSGS could cut system costs by up to $206M by 2028 and grow to 1 GW of flexible capacity, offering planners a proven tool for peak demand and reliability.
Yes, but: With funding set to expire after Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a state budget that cut $18M from the program, advocates warn California risks sidelining a resource that could ease transmission constraints and reduce the need for new peakers.