Customer-Centric Assessment of Potential Benefits in Virtual Power Plant Participation A Case Study in Hawaii

Virtual power plants (VPPs) are gaining momentum and actively being deployed in practical applications. By prioritizing the customer perspective in VPP implementation, addressing their needs and concerns, it is feasible to create more customer-focused VPP designs that optimize participation and guarantee mutual benefits for both the grid operator and customers involved. This paper introduces a methodology that evaluates the potential benefits to Hawaiian customers who own battery and PV systems and participate in the Hawaiian Electric Company's VPP program. Customers can use the evaluation's findings to determine whether their system can contribute to the VPP program in a way that is in line with their energy objectives and financial interests. The evaluation also provides information on the optimal VPP participation capacity, which could result in the lowest total electricity bill for customers. Index Terms-demand response, virtual power plant, optimization, battery system, photovoltaic system