One persons (not ours) view" - It’s Time to Say No to VPPs — And Yes to Energy Freedom"

Editor
Jun 12
2 min read

Updated: Jun 15

As Australia races towards decarbonisation, there's a growing push to enroll homes and businesses into Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) — systems that aggregate thousands of solar and battery systems to act like a single giant power station.

It sounds good in theory. But here’s the catch: you’re handing control of your energy over to someone else.

In a recent episode of the Solar Insiders podcast, RedEarth CEO Marc Sheldon dropped a truth bomb that every solar and battery owner needs to hear:

“Most VPPs serve the grid, not the household.”

Let’s unpack that.

The Problem With VPPs

VPPs are marketed as a way to earn money by allowing your battery to discharge to the grid when it’s needed most.

But what most people don’t realise is:

Your battery might be emptied when you need it most — during a blackout or peak price periods.
Control of your battery’s behaviour is ceded to energy companies, who prioritise grid stabilisation (and their bottom line) over your household’s energy security.
The financial return is often negligible. In many cases, households receive just $20–$100 per year for participating — barely enough to offset the wear and tear on the system.

The Better Alternative: Energy Autonomy

The future of energy isn’t in surrendering control. It’s in empowering homeowners and businesses to manage and optimise their own clean energy.

New technologies, like RedEarth’s “microgrid in a box,” offer:✅ On-site solar generation✅ Smart battery storage✅ Automated energy management✅ Backup protection when the grid goes down

That means:

You keep your energy when you need it.
You control when (and if) you export to the grid.
You reduce reliance on a fragile and increasingly expensive centralised grid system.

Schools and Community Facilities: This Is Your Moment

Schools, community centres, and regional venues are being targeted for VPP programs — but they should think twice. These places are hubs of resilience during crises, blackouts, or extreme weather.Why give away your stored energy at the exact moment your community may need it?