More states look to virtual power plants to fight rising electric bills

With utility bills rising fast, an increasing number of states are looking to virtual power plants as a potential solution.

As of last year, 34 states have programs that call on utilities to use smart thermostats and water heaters, batteries and EV chargers, and energy management systems at businesses and factories to combat rising electricity rates.

A dozen states are considering legislation this year that could launch or expand VPPs, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Similar bills passed in Illinois and Virginia in 2025 and in Maryland and Colorado in 2024.

Read more at Canary Media