DER Startup School with Seth Frader-Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder of EnergyHub

DER Startup School with Seth Frader-Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder of EnergyHub

From DER Task Force by DER Task Force

September 5, 2025 · 2h 22m

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Seth Frader-Thompson discussing EnergyHub's VPP platform and insights on starting companies in the energy sector.

We’re back (minus Colleen who was on vacation), this time with Seth Frader-Thompson, the CEO and co-founder of EnergyHub. Many don’t realize that EnergyHub has built what may be the largest VPP platform in North America, nearly entirely with vertically integrated utilities. In addition to getting the inside scoop on how they pulled this off, we discuss EnergyHub’s intriguing VPP capabilities framework called the Huels Test, how VPPs can at times be better than a traditional power plant, why they focused on vertically integrated markets, and a whole lot more.We also spent a ton of time getting into the weeds of starting companies in our industry, finding PMF, pivoting, leadership styles, etc. Anyone building in this space should take notes. Btw, if you’re enjoying this episode you should definitely check out DERVOS 2025 , our annual event that’s all about distributed energy and the energy industry broadly. Rumor has it Seth with be making a special appearance. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

People in this episode

Host: DER Task Force

Guest: Seth Frader-Thompson

Topics covered

  • VPP platform
  • EnergyHub
  • startup advice
  • leadership styles
  • distributed energy

Keywords

  • VPP
  • EnergyHub
  • startup
  • leadership
  • distributed energy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EnergyHub

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