Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) has reached an important milestone by getting its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) approved to participate in the Texas wholesale power market, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). This achievement highlights BEC's commitment to improving the reliability and efficiency of Texas's energy grid through innovative solutions.
As demand for electricity in Texas continues to grow, it's crucial to ensure a steady supply of energy. Programs that help manage electricity use, especially during peak times, empower consumers to reduce their energy consumption when it matters most. ERCOT's Aggregated Distributed Energy Resource (ADER) program is designed to combine and manage smaller energy resources as one large unit in the electricity market.
BEC's Apolloware platform, which powers its Virtual Power Plant, is the first ADER qualified to handle various devices from different manufacturers. While the initial focus was on energy storage systems from Enphase Energy, Inc., Apolloware can work with a wide range of devices, including thermostats, solar panels, batteries, generators, and other energy-related equipment. This flexibility is important because it allows BEC to manage all the different types of energy resources its members use.
This success directly benefits BEC members by helping to keep energy costs down. The savings generated through this program go back to the cooperative and, ultimately, back to the members. In the future, we hope this is the first step toward enabling members to sell any excess power they generate, such as through solar panels and stored in their batteries, back to the grid. It could also help members receive payments or credits when the reduce energy consumption.
This achievement is the result of teamwork led by BEC’s CEO, Bill Hetherington, and supported by the Board of Directors. The initiative was driven by BEC’s Energy Services Division, with John Padalino, the General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, playing a key role in advocating for the program.
"This qualification is a major accomplishment for Bandera Electric Cooperative," said Hetherington. "Apolloware, developed in Texas and designed by a utility for utilities, demonstrates our commitment to creating energy solutions that are flexible, reliable, and sustainable. This open-access platform ensures our members and the community benefit from a more resilient and inclusive energy grid," added Padalino.
For more information about Bandera Electric Cooperative, the Apolloware platform, and their role in the ERCOT grid, visit www.banderaelectric.com or call 866-226-3372.