Google and energy technology company Voltus are expanding their partnership to provide more than 1,000 megawatts of flexible electricity capacity across the PJM grid, offering a new approach to managing rising power demand without relying exclusively on new generation and transmission infrastructure.

Under the agreement, Google will fund a virtual power plant developed by Voltus that brings together participating homes, businesses and industrial facilities willing to reduce electricity consumption or use batteries and on-site generation when the grid is strained. Participants receive financial compensation for providing that flexibility. The latest agreement adds 1,070 megawatts to an initial 100-megawatt commitment announced in June.

“New electricity demand should come with new solutions, not just new costs for existing customers,” said Lindsey Short, managing director of advocacy and energy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “Efforts that strengthen grid reliability while limiting cost exposure are worth exploring.”

Voltus expects to develop the full capacity over three to four years, with the agreement extending through 2040. As PJM confronts tightening electricity supplies and growing data center demand, the partnership offers a potential way to ease pressure on the grid. Its ultimate impact will depend on how much capacity is delivered, when it becomes available and how reliably it performs during periods of peak demand. 10/26/2026