The ABCs of VPPs: An Introduction to Virtual Power Plants

Virtual power plants (VPPs) could help meet rising electricity demand while saving billions of dollars. But what are VPPs, and why do they matter now? Who participates in a VPP, and what new developments should states monitor? These questions and more are all addressed in this report written by Adam Warren for CESA.

2026 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards

The Clean Energy States Alliance is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards. The seven winners were chosen by an independent panel of distinguished judges and were evaluated based on leadership, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and replicability.

What States Need to Know About Networked Geothermal

Networked geothermal is gaining attention among states, utilities, and local governments. This short paper by the CESA answers foundational policy, regulatory, financing, and equity questions about networked geothermal. It is intended to support early understanding and decision-making by CESA Members and other state officials.

What States Need to Know About Plug-In Solar

In response to increased legislative and public interest in plug-in solar, CESA published a January 2026 paper providing information and guidance on plug-in solar configurations, regulatory issues, economics, and safety concerns.

How States Can Address Load Growth While Decarbonizing

Electricity demand is expected to accelerate rapidly in the coming years, and much of it is projected to be met with fossil fuels. Yet there is the potential for clean energy solutions to play a major role, especially for states with clean energy targets. This CESA report aims to help state officials, as well as other stakeholders, understand how policymakers can respond to electric load growth while decarbonizing.

Offshore Wind Power Hub

The Offshore Wind Power Hub, which is run by CESA in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, includes a first-of-its-kind interactive map showing U.S. offshore wind projects, lease areas, and status updates.

Learn about CESA's Projects

CESA facilitates information sharing, provides technical assistance, coordinates multi-state collaborative projects, and communicates the views and achievements of its members.

Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA)

The Clean Energy States Alliance is a national, nonprofit coalition of public agencies and organizations working together to advance clean energy.

CESA works with state leaders, federal agencies, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to develop clean energy programs and inclusive renewable energy markets. CESA members—mostly state agencies—include many of the most innovative, successful, and influential public funders of clean energy initiatives in the country.

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Featured Projects

100% Clean Energy Collaborative

CESA created the 100% Clean Energy Collaborative to assist states (and other entities) that have 100% clean energy goals by providing knowledge-sharing activities and analysis so that together they can address program challenges and opportunities.

VPP Acceleration Initiative

The VPP Acceleration Initiative helps states, local governments, communities, and financial institutions deploy and scale virtual power plants (VPPs)—advancing affordability, strengthening grid reliability, and supporting decarbonization. In addition to savings, communities enjoy health and resilience benefits.

Solar for All State Support Initiative

Solar for All was a $7 billion competitive grant program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It funded states, tribes, nonprofits, and other eligible recipients to expand residential solar for low-income households and disadvantaged communities. CESA assisted 40+ states in applying to Solar for All.

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Webinars

Beyond Lithium, Part 5: CMBLU Energy’s SolidFlow Batteries

January 13, 2027

Expanding Solar Market Participation and Consumer Confidence: Two Award-Winning Programs by the Illinois Power Agency

December 9, 2026

Community Power in Action: Designing Equitable Virtual Power Plant Programs

December 8, 2026
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Featured Reports

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The ABCs of VPPs: An Introduction to Virtual Power Plants
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What States Need to Know About Plug-In Solar
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What States Need to Know About Networked Geothermal
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Program Design for Battery-Based Virtual Power Plants
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Lessons Learned from Puerto Rico’s First Virtual Power Plant
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How States Can Address Load Growth While Decarbonizing
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Strengthening Offshore Wind Community Engagement: Recommendations for State Agencies
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Load Growth: What States Are Doing to Accommodate Increasing Electric Demand
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Meaningful Household Savings: Best Practices for Achieving Equitable Solar Development
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Energy Storage Program Design for Peak Demand Reduction
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Recent Blog Posts

Why Battery Storage May Be Crucial to Data Center Development

September 2, 2026

Battery-Based VPPs: The Future of Resilient Energy

August 17, 2026

Members-Only: Engaging with the Media: A How-to for CESA Members

July 14, 2026
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