Introduction to Vehicle-to-Grid Integration
Utilities Eversource and National Grid are set to enable customers in Massachusetts to enroll their vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capable electric vehicles (EVs) in a demand-side flexibility program. This initiative aims to enhance grid stability and efficiency.
Collaboration with Energy Management Partners
In partnership with EnergyHub, Sunrun’s grid services arm, and V2G platform provider The Mobility House, Eversource and National Grid are integrating V2G technology into the ConnectedSolutions virtual power plant (VPP) program.
Overview of the ConnectedSolutions Program
The ConnectedSolutions program utilizes flexible capacity from various resources, including thermostats, battery energy storage systems, and commercial and industrial assets, to alleviate grid strain. Currently, it operates across five states, managing over 280,000 participating distributed energy resources (DERs) and providing more than 800MW of flexible capacity.
Benefits of V2G Participation
Seth Frader-Thompson, president of EnergyHub, referred to ConnectedSolutions as the “gold standard” for scaling virtual power plants. Consumers who enroll qualifying devices will receive incentives for adjusting their energy usage during peak demand periods.
Current Focus and Future Prospects
The V2G integration will initially be available to customers in Massachusetts, allowing Eversource and National Grid to assess the benefits of this technology within the broader program. Unlike other V2G trials, this initiative will leverage the additional storage capacity of EV batteries in conjunction with other flexible resources, rather than treating it as a standalone asset.
Cost Benefits and Incentives
National Grid and Eversource have stated that the inclusion of V2G-capable EVs will help reduce costs for all customers. The utilities emphasized that the grid benefits provided by V2G-capable EVs could be “potentially substantial,” and participating drivers will receive incentives that reflect the value they contribute to the grid.
Fleet-Level Initiatives
Both utilities are also involved in fleet-level V2G initiatives. National Grid is currently utilizing V2G technology for light-to-medium-duty fleets within ConnectedSolutions, starting with school buses. Eversource is engaging with school districts as part of its ConnectedSolutions+ program, which offers enhanced incentives for demand response participation in areas facing significant grid constraints.
To learn more about this initiative, stay tuned for updates on the evolving landscape of vehicle-to-grid technology.
