Skip to Content
Virtual Power Plant
An innovative way to help meet growing demand
What's a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?
A Virtual Power Plant is a smart way to bring together energy from things you might already have—like home batteries, EV chargers, or smart thermostats—and use them to help support the electric grid.
When these devices work together, they help improve reliability and resiliency in your neighborhood and keep our grid running smoothly during times of high demand.
Big news: Virginia's new energy law
In May 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the Community Energy Act (HB 2346 and SB 1100) into law. This new law is a big step toward modernizing how energy works in Virginia —and it supports something exciting we’re working on: a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) pilot.
We’ll be submitting a proposal to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to launch a pilot program by December 1, 2025, and we’re looking forward to what this means for you and your community.
What we're doing
Our demand side management programs have laid a strong foundation for flexible, customer-driven grid support.
Existing and new assets will be fully optimized in ways we’ve never achieved before, creating additional avenues for all customers to actively participate. We’re seeking stakeholder feedback prior to filing the pilot program on December 1, 2025. Share your input by October 6, 2025.
Timeline
2025
May 2
VPP Bill HB2346 Signed by Governor
September 15
Dominion Energy Virginia to kick off stakeholder process
October 6
Stakeholder feedback concludes
December 1
Dominion Energy Virginia to file VPP Pilot
December 1 2025 through August 2026
Timeline for new programs approval within VPP. During this time we will continue to optimize existing programs and evaluate the value of DERs on our grid.
2026
August
Dominion Energy Virginia ramp up to launch programs for VPP Pilot (subject to approval)
2026
November 15
Due date for variation of a tariff filing
2027
December 31
Dominion Energy Virginia to propose an Electric School Bus Expansion Program in a Grid Transformation Plan filing
2028
July 1
Pilot completion. SCC to review results of the pilot and initiate a proceeding to establish a permanent program, timeline TBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any Dominion Energy Virginia customer with eligible devices that can participate in existing or new customer programs.
Yes! You stay in control. The VPP works within pre-set limits, and you can choose to opt in or out of specific events.
Not at all. While batteries are part of it, the VPP is a smart network of energy resources—like solar panels, smart thermostats, and EV chargers—that work together to support the grid.
It could help lower it! By optimizing your energy use and supporting the grid, you may earn credits or payments that reduce your bill.
Usually, no. Most customers join for free and even earn incentives for allowing their devices to help the grid.
Absolutely. VPPs make better use of renewable energy and reduce the need for fossil fuel-based power, helping create a cleaner, greener grid.
Yes. We partner with trusted third-party implementation vendors who may provide hardware, software, and customer support to help make the VPP successful.