Xcel Energy to Deploy Advanced Virtual Power Plant in Colorado with Itron and Tesla
Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) has announced a collaboration with Tesla and Xcel Energy to deploy an advanced virtual power plant (VPP) in Colorado. The initiative integrates Itron's IntelliFLEX Aggregator DERMS solution with Tesla's Powerwall home batteries to enhance distributed energy resource (DER) management.
The collaboration expands Xcel Energy's Renewable Battery Connect program, which manages customers' batteries during peak energy demand periods to stabilize the electric grid. Itron's IntelliFLEX solution, currently managing 3 million DER devices across 30 U.S. utilities, will directly integrate with Tesla's battery storage platform to provide real-time grid benefits using stored solar power.
Colorado, with over 300 sunny days annually, presents an ideal environment for this first-of-its-kind model combining aggregator DERMS solutions and battery storage. The program enables residential participants' home batteries to dispatch stored power to the grid during high-demand periods, supporting Xcel Energy's electrification goals while maintaining grid reliability.
Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) ha annunciato una collaborazione con Tesla e Xcel Energy per implementare una centrale elettrica virtuale avanzata (VPP) in Colorado. L'iniziativa integra la soluzione IntelliFLEX Aggregator DERMS di Itron con le batterie domestiche Powerwall di Tesla per migliorare la gestione delle risorse energetiche distribuite (DER).
La collaborazione amplia il programma Renewable Battery Connect di Xcel Energy, che gestisce le batterie dei clienti durante i periodi di massima domanda energetica per stabilizzare la rete elettrica. La soluzione IntelliFLEX di Itron, attualmente in gestione di 3 milioni di dispositivi DER in 30 utility statunitensi, si integrerà direttamente con la piattaforma di stoccaggio delle batterie di Tesla per fornire benefici alla rete in tempo reale utilizzando energia solare immagazzinata.
Il Colorado, con oltre 300 giorni di sole all'anno, rappresenta un ambiente ideale per questo modello innovativo che combina soluzioni aggregator DERMS e stoccaggio di batterie. Il programma consente ai partecipanti residenziali di inviare energia immagazzinata nella rete durante i periodi di alta domanda, supportando gli obiettivi di elettrificazione di Xcel Energy mantenendo l'affidabilità della rete.
Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) ha anunciado una colaboración con Tesla y Xcel Energy para implementar una planta de energía virtual avanzada (VPP) en Colorado. La iniciativa integra la solución IntelliFLEX Aggregator DERMS de Itron con las baterías domésticas Powerwall de Tesla para mejorar la gestión de recursos energéticos distribuidos (DER).
La colaboración amplía el programa Renewable Battery Connect de Xcel Energy, que gestiona las baterías de los clientes durante los períodos de máxima demanda energética para estabilizar la red eléctrica. La solución IntelliFLEX de Itron, que actualmente gestiona 3 millones de dispositivos DER en 30 utilidades de EE. UU., se integrará directamente con la plataforma de almacenamiento de baterías de Tesla para proporcionar beneficios a la red en tiempo real utilizando energía solar almacenada.
Colorado, con más de 300 días soleados al año, presenta un entorno ideal para este modelo innovador que combina soluciones de agregador DERMS y almacenamiento de baterías. El programa permite que las baterías de los hogares de los participantes residenciales envíen energía almacenada a la red durante períodos de alta demanda, apoyando los objetivos de electrificación de Xcel Energy mientras se mantiene la fiabilidad de la red.
Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI)는 Tesla 및 Xcel Energy와 협력하여 콜로라도에 고급 가상 발전소(VPP)를 배포한다고 발표했습니다. 이 이니셔티브는 Itron의 IntelliFLEX Aggregator DERMS 솔루션과 Tesla의 Powerwall 가정용 배터리를 통합하여 분산 에너지 자원(DER) 관리를 개선합니다.
이 협력은 Xcel Energy의 Renewable Battery Connect 프로그램을 확장하며, 이 프로그램은 최대 전력 수요 기간 동안 고객의 배터리를 관리하여 전력망을 안정화합니다. 현재 30개의 미국 유틸리티에서 300만 개의 DER 장치를 관리하는 Itron의 IntelliFLEX 솔루션은 Tesla의 배터리 저장 플랫폼과 직접 통합되어 저장된 태양광을 사용하여 실시간으로 전력망에 이점을 제공합니다.
콜로라도는 연간 300일 이상의 맑은 날씨를 자랑하여 집합기 DERMS 솔루션과 배터리 저장을 결합한 최초의 모델에 이상적인 환경을 제공합니다. 이 프로그램은 주거 참여자의 가정용 배터리가 높은 수요 기간 동안 저장된 전력을 전력망으로 송출할 수 있게 하여 Xcel Energy의 전기화 목표를 지원하면서 전력망의 신뢰성을 유지합니다.
Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) a annoncé une collaboration avec Tesla et Xcel Energy pour déployer une centrale électrique virtuelle avancée (VPP) dans le Colorado. L'initiative intègre la solution IntelliFLEX Aggregator DERMS d'Itron avec les batteries domestiques Powerwall de Tesla pour améliorer la gestion des ressources énergétiques distribuées (DER).
La collaboration élargit le programme Renewable Battery Connect d'Xcel Energy, qui gère les batteries des clients pendant les périodes de forte demande énergétique pour stabiliser le réseau électrique. La solution IntelliFLEX d'Itron, qui gère actuellement 3 millions de dispositifs DER dans 30 services publics américains, s'intégrera directement à la plateforme de stockage de batteries de Tesla pour fournir des avantages en temps réel au réseau en utilisant de l'énergie solaire stockée.
Le Colorado, avec plus de 300 jours ensoleillés par an, offre un environnement idéal pour ce modèle novateur combinant des solutions aggregator DERMS et du stockage de batteries. Le programme permet aux participants résidentiels d'envoyer de l'énergie stockée au réseau pendant les périodes de forte demande, soutenant ainsi les objectifs d'électrification d'Xcel Energy tout en maintenant la fiabilité du réseau.
Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) hat eine Zusammenarbeit mit Tesla und Xcel Energy angekündigt, um ein fortschrittliches virtuelles Kraftwerk (VPP) in Colorado zu implementieren. Die Initiative integriert Itrons IntelliFLEX Aggregator DERMS-Lösung mit Teslas Powerwall-Heimbatterien, um das Management dezentraler Energiequellen (DER) zu verbessern.
Die Zusammenarbeit erweitert das Renewable Battery Connect-Programm von Xcel Energy, das die Batterien der Kunden während der Spitzenlastzeiten verwaltet, um das Stromnetz zu stabilisieren. Die IntelliFLEX-Lösung von Itron, die derzeit 3 Millionen DER-Geräte in 30 US-Versorgungsunternehmen verwaltet, wird direkt mit Teslas Batteriespeicherplattform integriert, um in Echtzeit Vorteile für das Stromnetz mit gespeicherter Solarenergie zu bieten.
Colorado, mit über 300 sonnigen Tagen im Jahr, bietet eine ideale Umgebung für dieses neuartige Modell, das Aggregator-DERMS-Lösungen und Batteriespeicher kombiniert. Das Programm ermöglicht es den Wohnteilnehmern, gespeicherte Energie während der Zeiten hoher Nachfrage ins Netz einzuspeisen, um die Elektrifizierungsziele von Xcel Energy zu unterstützen und gleichzeitig die Zuverlässigkeit des Stromnetzes aufrechtzuerhalten.
- Integration with Tesla Powerwall expands market reach and technological capabilities
- Currently managing 3 million DER devices across 30 U.S. utilities, demonstrating strong market presence
- Strategic partnership with major utility provider Xcel Energy
- First-of-its-kind implementation in Colorado market
- None.
Insights
This collaboration among Itron, Tesla, and Xcel Energy represents a significant advancement in virtual power plant (VPP) deployment. The integration of Itron's IntelliFLEX Aggregator DERMS with Tesla's Powerwall batteries establishes a sophisticated distributed energy resource management architecture with real commercial implementation.
What's technically significant is the direct integration between Itron's management system and Tesla's storage platform - creating seamless orchestration between utility needs and residential energy assets. The implementation leverages Itron's distributed intelligence capability to enable edge computing for DER management, which is essential for millisecond-level responsiveness in grid stabilization.
The scale of Itron's existing deployment - 3 million DER devices across 30 utilities - demonstrates this isn't experimental technology but a proven solution expanding to include premium battery storage. This particular implementation creates a unique technical value proposition where solar energy stored in residential Powerwalls can be dispatched during peak demand, effectively transforming customer-owned assets into utility-scale resources.
For Itron, this deployment validates their grid-edge architecture while cementing their position as a leading DERMS provider capable of integrating with premium hardware manufacturers. The partnership effectively positions Itron at the center of the utility-customer interface, potentially creating recurring revenue streams through ongoing management of these distributed resources.
This Itron-Tesla-Xcel collaboration represents an important strategic development in the virtual power plant market. Colorado's renewable profile (300+ sunny days annually) creates ideal conditions for this implementation, especially as one of the first states with a Renewable Energy Standard.
What makes this partnership particularly valuable is its commercial-scale implementation of the aggregator model. Rather than theoretical demonstrations, this deployment operationalizes residential battery assets as dispatchable grid resources. The "first-of-its-kind" designation in Colorado suggests potential for replication across Xcel's multi-state territory and beyond.
For Itron, securing Tesla as an integration partner provides competitive differentiation in the increasingly crowded DERMS market. The partnership architecture - where Itron's platform manages enrollment, dispatch and optimization while Tesla provides the hardware - creates a template that could be expanded to other battery manufacturers and DER types.
Xcel Energy's selection of Itron for this advanced implementation validates Itron's technical approach to DER orchestration. As utilities nationwide face similar challenges balancing renewable integration with grid stability, successful deployment in Colorado positions Itron favorably for similar implementations elsewhere.
The strategic timing is significant as utilities increasingly recognize the value of coordinated DER management versus passive interconnection. This collaboration demonstrates Itron's ability to deliver utility-scale virtual power plants that harness customer-owned assets, potentially accelerating similar deployments across the industry.
Integration of Itron's IntelliFLEX Aggregator DERMS Solution and Tesla Home Batteries Drives Grid Flexibility, Visibility and Control
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating new ways for energy providers and cities to manage energy and water, is collaborating with Tesla Inc. to deploy an advanced virtual power plant (VPP) in Colorado in collaboration with Xcel Energy. The collaboration is part of a new effort in Itron’s ongoing work with Xcel Energy to manage the growing number of distributed energy resources (DERs) with Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence (GEI) solutions. This initiative enables Xcel Energy to enhance the management of DERs and the value they provide for customers.
Itron’s IntelliFLEX Aggregator Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) solution, which is a part of Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and powered by distributed intelligence, enables energy providers to aggregate and localize management of DERs. Using this solution, the energy provider can efficiently enlist residential battery storage, solar panels, EV chargers, smart thermostats and other DERs to better balance power at the edge of the grid. Proven at scale, Itron’s IntelliFLEX solution helps to manage 3 million DER devices for 30 utilities across the U.S.
Itron will directly integrate its IntelliFLEX solution with Tesla’s battery storage platform, helping provide grid benefits in real-time using power from solar stored on Tesla Powerwall home batteries. This collaboration will expand Xcel Energy’s VPP program, Renewable Battery Connect, increasing the number of batteries that can be dispatched when needed and helping Xcel Energy meet its electrification goals more quickly. The program allows Xcel Energy to manage customers’ batteries during periods of peak energy demand to help stabilize the electric grid.
Colorado enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, making the state an ideal candidate for solar energy and battery storage, and it was one of the first states in the U.S. to have a Renewable Energy Standard. Xcel Energy’s Renewable Battery Connect program is supported by residential participants’ home batteries during periods of peak energy demand, dispatching stored power to the grid and reducing peak demand. The Renewable Battery Connect program is a first-of-its-kind model in Colorado and integrates aggregator DERMS solutions and battery storage from Itron and Tesla, respectively. With an advanced VPP, DERs, such as solar panels or battery storage, can be controlled together through an aggregator DERMS platform to act as one “virtual” power plant and provide power to the grid during times of high-peak energy demand.
By integrating Itron’s aggregator DERMS solution with Tesla’s platform, the companies streamline DER orchestration and the facilitation of customer enrollment, event dispatch and optimization of program performance. Through this collaboration, Xcel Energy will more efficiently stabilize the grid during periods of peak demand with renewable, solar energy through battery management.
“Xcel Energy is taking important steps to meet the increasing energy demands of a growing economy and is committed to providing more energy options for our customers,” said Emmett Romine, vice president, Customer Energy and Transportation Solutions at Xcel Energy. “Our Renewable Battery Connect program creates a new VPP in Colorado and we’re proud to work with Itron and Tesla, who have proven to be trusted industry partners and align with our goals to strengthen the energy grid while maintaining reliability and advancing renewable energy. This collaboration will deliver renewable, solar energy when our customers need it most.”
“Utilities need better data, more insights and the ability to quickly take actions based on near real-time data. This collaboration highlights the importance of energy provider awareness at the grid edge and how we can help manage the future grid, especially as communities reach
Learn More at DISTRIBUTECH 2025
To learn more about Itron’s IntelliFLEX solution, visit Itron at DISTRIBUTECH 2025, March 25-27, in booth #3008 or see the solution page. To learn more about Xcel Energy’s Renewable Battery Connect program, click here.
About Itron
Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com.
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FAQ
What is the purpose of Itron's VPP collaboration with Tesla and Xcel Energy in Colorado?
How many DER devices does Itron's IntelliFLEX solution currently manage?
What makes Colorado an ideal location for ITRI's virtual power plant implementation?
How will ITRI's IntelliFLEX solution benefit Xcel Energy's Renewable Battery Connect program?
