Texan Tesla Powerwall Owners Can Help Change ERCOT’s Mind On VPPs

Texan Powerwall owners can help Tesla change the mind of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) about allowing homeowners to opt into virtual power plants (VPPs).

The Texas power grid is well known for its struggles, and in recent news, it’s been reported that the grid is weak in the face of the summer heat. Yahoo! Finance reported that, for the third time, Texans have been asked to curb their power usage by ERCOT. The article asked the following question: “If the electric grid can’t handle power needs in the spring, what does that mean for Texas residents heading into the summer?”

One way to alleviate the grid is to enable homeowners to participate in VPPs. This is something Tesla Powerwall customers can help with. However, this is not an option for Texas residents. Tesla is hoping to change that and has called for Tesla Powerwall customers to help their state see the light.

Tesla is asking its Texan Powerwall owners to opt into the Tesla ERCOT Demonstration. PV Magazine initially reported that Tesla is planning to prove to ERCOT that a fleet of Powerwalls can distribute energy assets generated from its Powerwall batteries as a VPP comprised of volunteer Powerwall owners.

When a Tesla Powerwall customer opts into the Tesla ERCOT Demonstration, the Powerwalls will be used in both tests and demonstrations with the utility. This will establish the capabilities of the fleet. As a thank you for participating in at least 80% of the tests, Tesla will give customers a $40 Tesla gift card.

During the demonstration, Tesla will control the participants’ Powerwalls. This includes charging, discharging, and configuring the device to automatically respond to grid conditions as well as supporting the tests that demonstrate grid services. Tesla also says that it will not draw down the battery below 20% of its capacity to allow for backup.

For those wanting to participate, Tesla also noted that the demonstration will run from the time you opt in through the Tesla app until you opt out or when the demonstration is concluded. To learn more about the demo, click here.