HARC is honored to announce that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has selected HARC to be a member of the Aggregated Distributed Energy Resource (ADER) Task Force. The ADER Task Force is a group of businesses, research organizations, and utilities that have been brought together to facilitate the ADER Pilot Project, an innovative initiative that aims to enhance grid resilience and optimize the use of distributed energy resources (DERs) across Texas. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the pilot project, and two virtual power plants began providing power to the ERCOT market in 2023.
“It’s an honor to be chosen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to serve in this role and provide our expertise in energy and experience in Solar for All to support the ADER Pilot Project,” says HARC’s President and CEO, John Hall. “We are excited to collaborate with industry leaders, regulators, utilities, and other research organizations to ensure the project’s long-term success.”
What is a Virtual Power Plant, the ADER Pilot Program & Why Do They Matter to Texans?
A virtual power plant is a system of distributed energy resources—like rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and smart water heaters—that work together to balance energy supply and demand on a large scale. Virtual power plants can build a more flexible and decentralized power system, reduce emissions, and increase energy security and independence.
Through the ADER Pilot Project, distributed energy resources are able to be combined and used similar to a power plant. The pilot allows individual homes, businesses, and communities to be treated like a larger, more flexible resource that contributes to overall grid stability, helps meet peak demand, and reduces the need for traditional, centralized power generation.
“Virtual power plants are an innovative way to get more energy and value out of previously underutilized energy assets,” explains Micalah Spenrath, HARC’s Manager of Policy and Energy, and ADER Task Force representative. “This not only creates a more decarbonized, resilient, and reliable energy system, it also supports Texans by paying them for the energy they provide to the grid.”
Solar Equity and the Solar for All Coalition
At HARC, we are also deeply committed to ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach all Texans. We are proud to be part of the Texas Solar for All Coalition, which was recently awarded close to $250 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding to close the solar equity gap in Texas. This initiative is focused on expanding access to affordable solar energy for low- and moderate-income households and communities.
This effort will deploy distributed energy resources throughout Texas. Our participation in the ADER Task Force allows us to work towards a future in which all communities can benefit from participation in a virtual power plant.
Read more about the ADER Pilot Project here.
Learn about the Solar for All Coalition here.
