Google and Tesla partner with PG&E on California virtual power plant

Google, Tesla, Sunrun, and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) have announced the launch of a new virtual power plant (VPP) program in California. The initiative, titled Smart Home Assets for Reliability and Efficiency (SHARE), is a proof-of-concept designed to reduce energy use during peak demand periods in Santa Clara and Alameda counties.

The program utilizes home battery energy storage systems, smart devices, and battery-enabled heat pumps to create additional grid capacity. According to PG&E, the model aims to support reliability and exert downward pressure on energy rates, while allowing participating households to save money through advanced energy management.

The project is fully funded by Google and involves a broad coalition of partners, including the nonprofit Rewiring America, Carrier Global, Renew Home, Demand Side Analytics, and encoord. The program combines the enrollment of existing home energy devices with the deployment of new, privately funded electrification technologies to address rising electric demand.