Are plug-in DERs going to spark a grid revolution?

Are plug-in DERs going to spark a grid revolution?

From Volts by David Roberts

June 3, 2026 · 1h 14m

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential of plug-in distributed energy resources to transform the energy grid.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe In the US, clean energy tends to get bogged down in red tape, but there’s one category that you can install immediately, with no one’s permission, because it plugs right into your wall outlet. This week, I chat with James McGinniss of David Energy about plug-in DERs — specifically, small batteries that commercial tenants can install without permits or landlord sign-offs. We explore the economics behind these micro-projects, look at how they aggregate into virtual power plants, and break down why this hyper-local approach could eventually outcompete massive utility infrastructure.

People in this episode

Host: David Roberts

Guest: James McGinniss

Topics covered

  • clean energy
  • plug-in DERs
  • virtual power plants
  • micro-projects
  • utility infrastructure

Keywords

  • plug-in DERs
  • clean energy
  • batteries
  • commercial tenants
  • virtual power plants
  • utility infrastructure

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: David Energy

Places: US

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