As efforts toward stabilizing the energy grid continue to grow, the newly-minted partnership between Mysa, a market leader in smart control for electric HVAC systems, and Virtual Peaker, a cloud-based, grid-edge distributed energy technology company, stands as a milestone in the global shift toward a sustainable electric future.
This partnership combines Mysa’s innovative smart thermostats with Virtual Peaker’s advanced energy management platform in a leading-edge, seasonal Demand Response program that benefits both homeowners and utilities. Together, these companies are not only enhancing energy efficiency and helping to decarbonize the grid but also stabilizing energy infrastructure for a sustainable future.
Let’s review the details together.
Table of Contents:
- Decarbonizing the Energy Grid
- Helping Homeowners Save Through Energy Efficiency
- Stabilizing the Grid for the Future
1. Decarbonizing the Electricity Grid
Mysa and Virtual Peaker are at the forefront of the movement to decarbonize the energy grid. By integrating Mysa’s smart thermostats with Virtual Peaker’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), the partnership enables utilities to manage electricity demand more efficiently, especially during peak winter times. This is particularly important in regions with high electric heating demands, where Mysa smart thermostats can help homeowners save money by optimizing their energy usage, while lessening their reliance on fossil fuels, and contributing to a lower carbon footprint by reducing the need for polluting peaker plants.
Since December 2023, three utility programs - one in the Pacific Northwest and two in Eastern Canada - that use Virtual Peaker’s DERMS have added Mysa’s smart thermostats to their portfolio of devices. By allowing more households, especially those with electric baseboard heaters, to participate in energy-saving Demand Response programs, this collaboration is pushing forward the global decarbonization goals, making the grid greener and more sustainable.
“Virtual Peaker’s grid-edge technology, combined with Mysa’s innovative smart thermostat solutions, provides a seamless and efficient way for utilities to manage winter demand peaks and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.” - Virtual Peaker Founder and CEO William Burke, PhD.
2. Helping Homeowners Save Through Energy Efficiency
One of the key benefits of the Mysa and Virtual Peaker partnership is the empowerment of homeowners to become more energy-efficient while saving on their utility bills. Mysa smart thermostats are designed to provide granular control over home heating, enabling homeowners to optimize their energy consumption without compromising their comfort.
With the integration into Virtual Peaker’s platform, these thermostats can participate in Demand Response programs that offer financial incentives, further enhancing savings. This democratization of energy efficiency, especially for homes heated by electric baseboards, means more people can contribute to energy-saving initiatives, reducing their energy costs and playing a role in environmental stewardship.
“Mysa is thrilled to partner with Virtual Peaker to leverage our smart home energy management technology to build a better future for our planet,” said Joshua Green, Cofounder and CEO at Mysa. “Empowering electric baseboard heating to participate in demand management programs supports equitable eligibility and expands the scale of utility grid modernization.” - Mysa Co-Founder and CEO, Joshua Green
3. Stabilizing the Energy Grid for the Future
As the demand for electricity grows, particularly during peak use times, stabilizing the energy grid becomes increasingly critical. The partnership between Mysa and Virtual Peaker addresses this challenge by enabling utilities to manage and balance the grid more effectively.
When homeowners choose to enroll in utility Demand Response programs with their Mysa smart thermostats, small, automatic changes to heating and cooling adjust energy usage in real-time, preventing grid overloads during peak periods. This not only ensures a more stable energy supply but also reduces the risk of blackouts and other service disruptions. By expanding the reach of demand management programs to include homes with electric baseboard heaters, this innovative collaboration enhances the resilience of the energy grid, preparing it for future demands.
“A successful winter demand response program begins with foresight and planning. Including Mysa’s smart thermostats for electric baseboard heaters in utility demand response programs provides a robust portfolio of technology that can ensure a successful winter-specific demand management strategy.” - Steph Hsiung, Manager of Flexible Load Management at ICF.
The partnership between Mysa and Virtual Peaker is a powerful example of how technology can drive significant advancements in energy efficiency and grid modernization. By focusing on decarbonization, empowering homeowners with energy-saving tools, and ensuring the stability of the energy grid, Mysa and Virtual Peaker are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy future. As more utilities adopt these innovations, the benefits will continue to grow, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and build a resilient energy infrastructure.
Curious about how you can support grid stability? Read more about how Mysa can help you become more energy efficient and save money by enrolling in utility Demand Response.