The U.S. virtual power plant market is moving past the "if" and into the "how." With peak demand projected to hit 900 GW by 2030 and grid infrastructure struggling to keep pace, utilities are turning to flexible, distributed capacity as one of the fastest tools available to meet near-term grid needs.

This in-depth analysis from Microgrid Knowledge breaks down six VPP business models taking shape across the U.S., from utility-led aggregator programs and DERMS-based orchestration to EV managed charging, third-party aggregators, and building portfolio aggregation. Each model differs in who controls dispatch, how customers are compensated, who owns the customer relationship, and where the grid value comes from.

Logical Buildings is featured as a leading example of the building and portfolio-based aggregation model, with CEO Jeff Hendler quoted on the opportunity and challenges of scaling VPP participation across multifamily and commercial properties. The article highlights how business models that combine energy management, resident incentives, and automated demand response into a single platform are gaining the most traction.

The piece also covers the regulatory landscape, the role of DERMS, the growing influence of EV-based flexibility, and an emerging frontier: using VPP-style orchestration to manage large flexible loads like AI data centers.