Joining a virtual power plant: What to know before you enroll

Utilities are aggregating home devices like smart thermostats, EV chargers, and batteries into virtual power plants, which they can remotely adjust to cut electricity use during peak times. Participants typically receive bill discounts and sometimes signing bonuses, with potential annual savings ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars depending on the device. While hundreds of programs already operate in the US, experts caution that poorly designed programs may misjudge when participants need power, so it's wise to review terms carefully.