GoKawiilGoogle expands Voltus deal to cut peak power use by up to 1,070 MW
Google has broadened its partnership with energy company Voltus to create one of the largest virtual power plants in the US, covering the Mid-Atlantic PJM grid. Rather than building new generation, Voltus will pay homes and businesses to reduce electricity use during peak demand—often automatically via smart thermostats or batteries—freeing up grid capacity equivalent to a large nuclear reactor's output for Google's data centers.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The arrangement suggests tech companies are seeking faster, cheaper ways to secure power for AI and cloud infrastructure without waiting years for new plants to be built. Google's Ellen Zuckerman frames it as a short-term bridge, which implies the company still expects to eventually need traditional generation capacity as data center demand grows. The approach could also shape how utilities and grid operators balance consumer incentives against industrial power needs going forward.
- Google expanded its deal with Voltus to enable up to 1,070 MW of demand reduction in the PJM grid
- Participants are paid to cut usage during peak times via automated tools like smart thermostats and batteries
- Google calls it a short-term fix, hinting new power plants may still be needed for future data center growth
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium — If you want to participate in the kind of demand-response programs described in this article, a smart thermostat like Ecobee's is the easiest entry point. It can automatically adjust your cooling during peak demand hours, helping balance the grid while potentially saving you money, exactly the kind of automated flexibility utilities and virtual power plants are relying on.
See Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: hardware.slashdot.org, 2026-10-22
Published there as: “To Make Way For Data Centers, Google Will Pay Others to Use Less Power”
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