On the hottest afternoons this summer, thousands of internet-connected thermostats, home solar panels and battery systems helped reduce the strain on the electric grid. These "virtual power plants" may be a key part of the future of electricity.
This isn’t anything new. In the 90s, some power companies would give away hot water heaters for free if they were allowed to control them. Then they’d turn down the heat by a few degrees during peak hours.
This isn’t anything new. In the 90s, some power companies would give away hot water heaters for free if they were allowed to control them. Then they’d turn down the heat by a few degrees during peak hours.