Wildfires are becoming an increasingly severe threat, leaving many communities vulnerable to prolonged power outages. As a trusted partner to utilities, Sparkfund is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to mitigate wildfire risks and ensure energy resilience. In this blog post, we'll explore how Sparkfund is empowering utilities to embrace distributed energy resources (DERs) as a game-changer for wildfire preparedness.
DERS & Comprehensive Wildfire Resilience Programs
Sparkfund has been supporting a leading utility for over four years, implementing two distinct programs to address wildfire-related power disruptions. The first program focused on deploying backup generators to residential and commercial customers in high-risk areas. Leveraging the Distributed Capacity Procurement model, Sparkfund acted as the program administrator, managing a network of installers, ensuring targets were met, and liaising with local authorities to install DERs.
The second program piloted the feasibility of DERs in similar conditions. Participants included single-family homes with rooftop solar and a community resource center equipped with battery storage. This innovative approach allowed the utility to assess how resiliency assets can support the grid during peak demand periods.
The Power of Distributed Capacity Procurement Programs
While backup generators provide temporary relief, a DCP program offers a more comprehensive and sustainable solution. By aggregating DERs like solar panels, batteries, and backup generators, a decentralized power network was created to support the grid during emergencies or peak demand events, providing targeted grid value.
Sparkfund's DCP pilot demonstrated the potential of this approach. Within a year, the program successfully participated in 17 demand response events, showcasing its ability to alleviate grid stress and enhance resilience.
Action, Results, and the Future Outlook for DCP Programs
The unique residential and commercial hybrid program was managed by Sparkfund, who acted as program administrator across the value chain from inception, coordinating and managing a roster of installers across the utility’s footprint.
Key role responsibilities:
- Ensuring that program targets are achieved
- Regularly reporting on performance to the utility’s management team
- Troubleshooting programmatic issues
- Liaising with the county permitting office to ensure timely turnaround
- Monitoring and managing the performance of contractors
- Program designer for commercial projects
- Maintaining assets with utility-grade dispatch ability uptime
Results:
- 30+ installs a month
- 1,200+ residential customer installs
- 15+ commercial & community installs
- $40M backup generation, solar & storage assets deployed
- 4-6 week lead to install commencement timeline
- 94% customer conversion rate from lead to close
Sparkfund's experience underscores the need for a more holistic approach, focusing on developing DCP programs that meet . By leveraging DERs and microgrids, utilities can provide backup power to remote communities, reduce infrastructure costs, and potentially enable self-sufficient operation during emergencies. The DCP strategy allows for a 10x annual rate of deployment compared to traditional VPPs, making it a powerful tool for wildfire resilience.
Embrace DCP for Wildfire Resilience
As wildfires continue to threaten energy resilience, utilities must embrace innovative solutions like DCPs. Sparkfund is committed to simplifying the energy transition and empowering utilities to make buildings an integral part of the grid. Contact us today to learn how we can partner with you to harness the power of the DCP model and ensure a resilient, sustainable energy future.