Source: SFGate
“In August 2020, thousands of Californians endured rolling blackouts due to extreme heat that stressed the state’s energy grid. Since then, efforts to prevent energy shut-offs like these have intensified, particularly in the face of increasing extreme weather events resulting from climate change. But one viable, growing solution just took a major hit after Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a number of bills that would have expanded California’s ability to grow its virtual power plant system. Virtual power plants, or VPPs, are exactly what they sound like. Instead of drawing power from a traditional power plant that exists in a static location, VPPs generate power across a variety of sources from various locations, including rooftop solar panels, home batteries and smart thermostats. Public utilities and private companies manage these energy resources, and consumers can get compensation for participating and sending energy back to the grid.” (10/14/25)