In December of 2023, Atma Energy developed, built, and energized a fleet of distributed solar + storage projects for Bandera Electric Cooperative’s (BEC) Virtual Power Plant program. This program involves the aggregation of energy storage devices working together to reduce the stress on the grid. They are now in the process of expanding the program to 1 MW (80 homes) by the end of 2024.
Virtual Power Plant
Atma Energy proudly announces the successful inauguration of Bandera Electric Cooperative’s (BEC) groundbreaking and renewable Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program, an aggregation of solar, batteries or other energy devices that work together to provide a benefit to the electricity grid.
The initiative reinforces Atma’s commitment to both customers and the resilience of the Texas Grid, which was put to the test in mid-January. In a strategic move to optimize energy consumption, the VPP is a significant leap forward for BEC, the first cooperative to participate, and introduces an innovative approach to energy management.
“Our team has been working tirelessly to make this project a reality, and we’re thrilled we were able to launch it to the public before this season’s first big storm,” says Atma CEO Supratim Srinivasan. “As Texas residents, we completely understand the stress that our state’s grid causes our fellow Texans. We believe this program will go a long way in making the fear of blackouts a thing of the past.”
The Advantages of VPP
The VPP brings multifaceted advantages by installing solar, and including a battery at no cost to the homeowner. Beyond individual benefits, the VPP will contribute to a collective reduction in energy consumption. Atma Energy spearheaded the program development, member onboarding, engineering, and construction, culminating in channeling surplus energy into the wholesale electricity market overseen by the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
“We’re proud to have been BEC’s first choice in piloting this innovative program,” says Atma CFO Jaro Nummikoski. “Because of our innovative technology, we are opening a new revenue stream for the utility while providing resiliency to the homeowner, all in one program.”
While BEC is the first utility to take advantage of this VPP model, more are in the works throughout the state of Texas. “Atma Energy has made it easy for us to provide our members access to the benefits of solar energy,” says John Padalino, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel for BEC. “We’re excited to expand our partnership through the innovative Virtual Power Plant program and couldn’t think of a more reliable and professional partner to do it with.”
