Virtual Power Plant Program
Virtual Power Plant Program
The VPP Program will start with a residential battery pilot anticipated to launch in Fall 2026.
Residential batteries help customers manage their energy consumption and save money by storing electricity during the day (when costs are lower) for use during off-peak hours (“load shifting”). Adding battery backup can protect your home from outages and helps strengthen the electric grid. A battery can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
BENEFITS OF A HOME BATTERY SYSTEM
- Take control of your energy and use cleaner power
- Use less grid power when prices are higher
- Keep the lights on when the power is out
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I am on Net Energy Metering 1.0, Net Energy Metering 2.0, or the Solar Billing Plan?
Customers whose interconnection agreement was approved by PG&E or SCE after April 14, 2023, are on 3CE’s Solar Billing Plan.
Customers will move to the Solar Billing Plan once their 20-year period on Net Energy Metering 1.0 or 2.0 concludes.
Customers will move to the Solar Billing Plan if their 20-year period ends early (system oversizing, choice to move to the Solar Billing Plan, etc.).
How do I switch from Net Energy Metering 1.0 or 2.0 to the Solar Billing Plan?
You can change your tariff by contacting your account representative at PG&E or SCE.
Customers who choose to leave NEM 1.0/2.0 will be permanently transitioned to the Solar Billing Plan for both energy generation and energy transmission and distribution services.
Can I switch back to Net Energy Metering 1.0 or 2.0 after switching to the Solar Billing Plan after I receive this rebate?
Once an account has been switched to the Solar Billing Plan, it cannot be switched back.
Should I leave NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0 early to receive a higher incentive through the Residential Battery Rebate Program?
Due to each customer’s unique and varied generation needs, 3CE cannot provide specific advice on this topic.
We recommend that you compare the tariffs and confer with your solar installer.
Can I stack this rebate with others?
Yes! 3CE customers are encouraged to apply for additional rebates include those with PG&E and the Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). See the Resources tab above for details.
How long will it take to receive my check in the mail?
What is the minimum and maximum battery capacity for this program?
Applicants before 4/1/2026: 5 kWh to 26 kWh. Battery installations over 26 kWh will receive the maximum rebate amount (3CE will incentivize up to 26 kWh, even if the actual battery is larger).
Applications on/after 4/1/2026: 5 kWh to 15 kWh. Battery installations over 15 kWh will receive the maximum rebate amount (3CE will incentivize up to 15 kWh, even if the actual battery is larger).
Does my battery have to be a certain brand?
The rebate is offered for all batteries on the SGIP’s Verified Equipment list or the CEC’s Solar Equipment list.
Does my battery have to be installed by a certain contractor?
The battery must be installed by a contractor licensed in California. 3CE recommends searching for solar installers in your area.
Does 3CE provide rebates for solar installation?
3CE does not provide a rebate for solar installations.
How will the information collected by the monitoring system be used?
Data will be used to evaluate effectiveness of program and guide further program development in accordance with 3CE’s Privacy Policy.
Applicants will need to enroll in the load-shift tracking program with 3CE’s partner, Texture. Enrollment is quick and easy, simply log into your battery manufacturer account through Texture’s enrollment portal.
3CE will be able to see basic battery data such as charge and discharge rate, charge status, battery output, etc. The data will be used to ensure the battery is discharging daily per the program requirements and monitor program performance for evaluation purposes. 3CE cannot control your battery system.
What happens if I do not discharge half my battery capacity during peak hours?
It is unlikely that your power needs during peak hours will be less than half your battery capacity. Program participants who consistently fail to meet this requirement may be contacted by a 3CE representative to help ensure the battery is properly set according to the program.
All discharge requirements will be suspended in the event of a power outage to ensure the full capacity of the battery can be used for backup power.