When we started Rhythm Energy, we had a simple goal: Push the envelope of what people should expect from their electricity provider. So it goes without saying how thrilled we are to share how we're taking that commitment to the next level with our new Virtual Power Plant (VPP) partnership with Kinergy.
This isn't just another product announcement for us, but it's the culmination of years listening to our customers and building toward something that truly transforms how you interact with your energy.
What Exactly Is a Virtual Power Plant (and Why Should You Care)?
Think of a Virtual Power Plant as thousands of home batteries, EVs, and other controllable devices working together like one giant power plant, but instead of burning fossil fuels, we're using the collective storage capacity of our customers' batteries to create a smarter, more reliable grid. When the grid needs extra power, our VPP can dispatch stored energy from participating homes in seconds. When there's excess renewable energy available, we charge those same batteries. It's like having a power plant in your neighborhood, except the "generators" are your neighbors' batteries, and you're getting a better deal to help keep the lights on.
The Problem We Set Out to Solve
If you're like many of our customers, you've probably noticed that energy keeps getting more complex. Bills keep rising. Grid reliability makes headlines. And you've told us you want more control over your energy costs and environmental impact.
We heard you. Loud and clear.
That's why we spent the past year developing our VPP offering that brings together our award-winning energy platform with Kinergy's proven VPP technology. The result? A way for you to turn your home battery (or the one you're considering) into a smart energy asset that works for you 24/7.
Why We Chose Kinergy as Our Partner
We didn't partner with Kinergy just because they have great technology (though they do). We chose them because they share our customer-first philosophy. Their platform, developed by leading Australian energy company Origin, has already helped hundreds of thousands of households optimize their energy usage and reduce bills.
But here's what really matters to us: their technology is proven to get the maximum value out of distributed resources like batteries, which means we can put more money back in the pockets of our customers.
How This Changes Your Energy Experience
Starting in 2026, our VPP will be available to residential customers with home batteries in Texas (with more markets to follow). What’s that mean to you? We’re so glad you asked.
Lower Bills Through Smarter Energy Management
Your battery won't just store energy. It will become an intelligent energy manager. Our platform optimizes when your battery charges and discharges based on real-time electricity prices, weather patterns, and grid conditions. The result? Real savings on your monthly bill.
Enhanced Energy Security
Texas weather has taught us all the value of backup power. Our VPP ensures your battery maintains reserve capacity for outages while still participating in grid programs that create value for you.
Grid Services Revenue
When the grid needs support, your battery can provide services that generate additional income. We handle all the complexity, so you can just sit back, relax, and see the benefits in your account.
Environmental Impact
By optimizing when and how your battery operates, we help maximize the use of renewable energy, accelerating the transition to cleaner power sources.
No Battery? No Problem. We'll Bring the Power to You.
Don't have a home battery yet? That's actually great news. We're giving Rhythm customers across Texas to benefit from an exclusive offer: a professionally installed battery system plus a low electricity rate, packaged together in one simple bill. No complicated financing. We'll handle everything from installation to maintenance, giving you backup power during outages and low electricity rates that are better than what you can find elsewhere. It's our way of saying thanks for being part of the Rhythm Energy family and making sure you're never left in the dark again.
Building on What We've Already Created Together
This VPP launch isn't our first innovation. We're simply building on programs you've already embraced:
PowerShift: Thousands of our customers participate in shifting usage to save money
Peak Payback and Smart Thermostat Integration: You've shown us that demand response can work for customers and that connected devices create real value
These programs gave us the confidence (and the data) to develop something even more powerful. You told us optimization works. You told us you want more control. Our VPP delivers exactly that.
Why We're Launching in Texas First
Texas isn't just our home market, but it’s the perfect place to prove what's possible. ERCOT's advanced grid technologies and market structure create ideal conditions for VPP innovation. With Texas leading the nation in residential battery adoption, we have the customer base and grid infrastructure to deliver exceptional results.
But this is just the beginning. Success in Texas creates the blueprint for expansion to other markets where our customers are asking for the same capabilities.
The Technology Behind Your Savings
Here's how it works (without getting too technical):
Real-Time Optimization: Our platform continuously analyzes electricity prices, weather forecasts, and grid conditions
Intelligent Dispatch: We optimize your battery's charge/discharge cycles to maximize savings while maintaining your desired backup capacity
Market Participation: When grid services are needed, we aggregate your battery with thousands of others to create a virtual power plant
Transparent Reporting: You see exactly how much you're saving and contributing to grid reliability
The beauty? You don't need to understand any of this. You just enjoy the benefits.
What Makes Our Approach Different
As your energy retailer (not just a technology provider), we have unique advantages:
Deep Relationship: We already understand your usage patterns and preferences
Market Expertise: Our retail experience means better wholesale market participation
Integrated Billing: Savings appear directly on your Rhythm Energy bill, meaning no separate accounts or complex calculations
Technology Flexibility: We work with multiple battery brands, so you're not locked into one solution
Looking Ahead: Your Energy Future
Our VPP represents more than just bill savings. It's about giving you control over your energy future. As the market grows, early participants like you will see increasing benefits.
We're not just launching a product. We're inviting you to join us in creating the future of energy, where customers have real power (literally and figuratively), where homes become grid assets, and where sustainability and savings go hand in hand.
This is your energy future. We're just helping you get there faster.
