Embue Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

The world’s first smart building platform that manages energy and more

Electricity rates are climbing, putting increasing pressure on operating margins for multifamily apartment buildings. For the first time in decades, electricity usage is rising, fueled by the rapid growth of AI data centers, electric vehicles (EVs), and heat pumps. Adding to this challenge is the variability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which don’t always generate power when the grid needs it most.

Embue’s new Virtual Power Plant (VPP) technology helps reduce energy costs, unlock new revenue streams, and strengthen the grid.

The Problem:
Rising Costs and Volatile Energy Pricing

Utilities are now charging not only based on how much energy you use but also when you use it. Peak demand charges and variable peak pricing can significantly impact your bottom line. Imagine being able to buy or store energy when it’s cheap and provide energy back to the grid when it’s expensive—all without disrupting your operations or tenant comfort. You can with Embue.

Unlock Greater Value with Batteries, Solar, and EV Integration

While Embue’s VPP solution delivers immediate savings and revenue potential without requiring new infrastructure, adding resources like batteries, solar panels, and EV chargers enhances these benefits:

• Energy Storage: Batteries can store cheap energy during off-peak hours and discharge it when rates are high. A portion of the battery is reserved for emergencies, ensuring critical systems remain powered during outages.

• Solar Integration: Capture excess solar energy and store it for later use, either to power your building or sell back to the grid.

• EV Flexibility: Manage EV charging schedules to reduce grid strain while ensuring tenants have their vehicles charged when they need them. In some cases, EVs can even send energy back to the grid with owner approval.

Seamless, Automated Operation

Embue’s VPP technology automates energy optimization, enabling your building to participate in demand response programs without adding to your team’s workload. Unlike siloed systems that manage solar, HVAC, or batteries independently, Embue integrates all energy devices on your side of the meter for maximum efficiency and profitability.

Why Choose Embue?

Embue’s holistic approach not only saves money but also reduces staff stress, prevents costly disasters like water leaks, and improves overall building efficiency. With the addition of VPP technology, Embue enables you to achieve energy autonomy—insulating your property from rising energy costs and grid challenges.

What is a Virtual Power Plant?

A Virtual Power Plant, or VPP, is a collection of energy producing, energy consuming or storage devices such as building HVAC systems, electric vehicles, solar panels and electric batteries. These Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are owned, not by the utility, but by businesses and homes. When the utility needs more power than it can handle, VPPs sell their power to the grid. When the utility has excess power, VPPs can store energy from the grid. 

How can a building's HVAC equipment produce energy? It can't, but it can reduce energy consumption -- or move that consumption to a different time of the day when it’s cheapest.