Community Power Networks: The Energy System of Tomorrow That We Can Invest in Today
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, communities across the country are asking the same question: can our aging energy grid keep us safe from the heat at a price we can afford?
Extreme heat places enormous strain on outdated infrastructure. Blackouts and energy shortages are becoming more common, while fossil fuel-powered “peaker plants” remain expensive, polluting, and inefficient.
But there’s a smarter solution already within reach: Community Power Networks — or as energy experts might know it – Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).
While the term may sound technical, the concept is actually simple. Think of a Community Power Network like an orchestra conductor. These networks combine energy resources (in this example, think individual musical instruments) that already exist in your community – like your neighbor’s solar panels, battery storage and smart thermostats. By bringing these resources together to “play” in sync, community power networks:
- Supply energy when demand spikes
- Reduce pressure on the grid
- Deliver reliable, flexible power exactly when it’s needed
Instead of relying on one massive power plant, we can rely on thousands of local energy sources working together.
And the benefits go beyond reliability. Community Power Networks are also more affordable. Studies show that systems using VPPs can reduce overall energy costs by up to 20%, saving households an estimated $140 per year compared to traditional systems dependent on gas peaker plants. They also cost 40–60% less than building new gas plants.
So if the technology already exists and the benefits are clear, why aren’t we investing in these solutions at scale? Part of the challenge is that many utility providers continue to rely on outdated energy models and are slow to adopt new approaches. Legislative progress is happening in states across the country, but policy change takes time.
Still, momentum is growing — and Community Power Networks are already proving their value.
Last summer, Sunrun’s virtual power plant fleet dispatched more than 340 megawatts of power across California, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico. In California alone, 325 megawatts were delivered through the state’s Distributed Generation Support Program (DSGS).
That’s enough energy to power roughly 250,000 homes using distributed batteries instead of fossil fuel peaker plants.
Across the country, Vote Solar is running 38 campaigns to bring Community Power Networks online by:
- Advocating for VPPs in utilities’ long-term resource plans
- Advancing state legislation
- Building public support for modern, resilient energy systems
The energy system of tomorrow isn’t decades away. We can invest in it today.