Portland General Electric looks to create 4-MW VPP with batteries

Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR), or PGE, earlier this week announced plans to start a pilot programme aimed at creating a virtual power plant (VPP) with a capacity of 4 MW out of residential energy storage batteries.

As part of the programme, to be launched in the autumn, PGE will offer incentives to customers in its service area, looking to install 525 energy storage batteries and connect them into a VPP.

PGE will explore the benefits of using residential batteries for optimisation of renewable energy and grid capabilities. The programme will also enable PGE to test new smart-grid control devices for managing electricity across its system.

"This pilot project will allow PGE to integrate even more intermittent renewable energy and enhance grid capabilities while also giving participating customers peace of mind in the event of an outage," vice president of grid architecture, integration and systems operation, Larry Bekkedahl, commented.

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