[SamBam]

To be clear, I think it's as much about the aggregation of "Distributed Energy Resources," DERs, as about the aggregation of generation.

From my understanding, a DER can be as simple as a smart thermostat that can receive a signal from the utility company to set the AC up a couple of degrees during a period of high electricity demand.

As energy is fungible, saving 1kW by turning off 1kW of less-necessary usage is exactly the same as generating an additional 1kW to cope with demand.

[magicalhippo]

> exactly the same

Of course except it's only the same if they're closely connected.

Here in Norway, while energy regions are connected throughout the country, the cables are quite limited between certain areas. So generation here might not help for usage there.

So being able to control usage, or having extra batteries connected near the loads, can be even more useful than extra generator capacity far away.

[jakewins]

Aye but y'all are way ahead! I get to hack on software that bids into DSO-level circuits for NODES up in Norway.

I imagine Norway is seeing a lot of the issues - and opportunities - that having high EV penetration brings, so a good place to watch for what works and what doesn't.

[soulofmischief]

Exactly the same, except during the hottest and coldest parts of the year, I pay an electric bill and still feel miserable.

[ZeroGravitas]

The point of these schemes is to provide you with energy at precisely those hottest/coldest parts of the year. If you want to pay more for potentially redundant backup and/or take the risk of the whole system going down, then you're only going to be more miserable.

[soulofmischief]

Yes, I am aware of how these schemes are marketed. I have lived in homes that use these schemes and it's not worth it.

Maybe you live in a better climate, but not getting adequate heating or cooling when I need it most negates the entire purpose of having heating and cooling.