A Demonstration of Virtual Power Plant Program from the Perspective of a Customer

Virtual power plants (VPP) offer a promising solution for integrating renewables and demand flexibility, resulting in cleaner and more cost-effective power generation. This paper focuses on the demonstration of a VPP from the perspective of a customer, evaluating the potential advantages of participating in the Hawaiian Electric Company Virtual Power Plant Program. The research develops a methodology to compare the performance of two identical systems: one participating in the VPP program and another not. Software programs are implemented to enable VPP operation and optimize energy resource management. A web-based dashboard is built for real-time monitoring and evaluation of the VPP system. The demonstration aims to show-case the benefits of customer participation in the VPP program, including financial incentives and increased control over energy usage. By prioritizing customer needs, the research contributes to customer-centric VPP designs that optimize participation and mutual benefits.