DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES
Turn energy savings into revenue. Join hundreds of Virginia facilities already earning money while making the grid stronger, cleaner, and more reliable. It's simple to enroll and easy to participate.
The Commonwealth of Virginia's Demand Response Program pays state and local public facilities to reduce or shift electricity usage during periods of grid stress, such as extreme heat, spiking energy prices, limited power supply, or high emissions. These conditions can trigger blackouts, brownouts, or expensive emergency power purchases. Demand Response serves as a strategic intervention to help avoid those outcomes while generating revenue for participants.
HOW DEMAND RESPONSE WORKS
Benefits
Facilities that participate are eligible to earn up to $184,000 per megawatt enrolled each year, with some facilities earning millions annually. But the benefits don't end there:
- Protect Public Health: Reduce strain during high-risk events, especially for vulnerable populations
- Cut Emissions: Reduce reliance on high-emission "peaker" plants.
- Save Taxpayer Money: Avoid costly peak-time electricity charges.
- Build Resilience: Helps prevent blackouts and keeps critical services running.
Who Can Participate
More than 450 facilities already participate, but many more are eligible, including:
- Municipal buildings
- Colleges, universities, K-12 schools
- Correctional facilities
- Airports
- Any other facility operated by a Virginia state agency, institution of higher education, or other public body.
Program Support & Partnership
The Virginia Department of Energy manages the program in partnership with Voltus, a Curtailment Service Provider (CSP), providing comprehensive support to help public facilities maximize their participation:
- Technical & engineering assistance
- Load identification & curtailment planning
- Staff training & program education
- Coordination with PJM, utilities, & other energy stakeholders
- Ongoing updates: market conditions, technologies, & regulations
- Long-term engagement support to sustain & grow participation
Why It Matters
Grid reliability isn't just a utility concern-it's a public responsibility. This program empowers public institutions to actively support grid stability while delivering tangible benefits for the people we serve. By participating, agencies contribute directly to a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy system for Virginia.
Virginia Department of Energy © 2024