Launching with over 30 MW of flexible storage from multiple providers statewide—Piclo is just getting started in transforming California’s energy future
February 4th, 2025 — California —Piclo, the world’s leading Distributed Energy Resource (DER) marketplace, is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking platform in California. Designed to revolutionize energy flexibility, Piclo’s marketplace enables operators of batteries, smart EV chargers, and demand response systems to market and sell their flexible energy capacity to utilities and Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) across the state.
Sunrun, a leader in residential solar and storage, is the first partner to list load-modifying capacity on the marketplace, contributing to over 30 MW of flexible storage capacity already available across multiple providers statewide. With additional DER aggregators to be announced in the coming weeks, the platform offers a range of products that enable buyers to secure flexible resources, directly supporting California’s Resource Adequacy (RA) requirements.
“We’re thrilled to bring this platform to California,”
said James Johnston, CEO of Piclo.
“While the challenges facing California’s grid are well known, what’s less recognized is the significant amount of untapped flexible capacity across the state. By providing a platform for DER owners and aggregators to monetize this capacity, we’re unlocking value while helping utilities and CCAs achieve better outcomes. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to scaling with new partners and products in the months ahead.”
“We’re excited to partner with Piclo to bring new opportunities for grid flexibility to California,”
said Chris Rauscher, Head of Grid Services and Virtual Power Plants at Sunrun.
“By listing our load-modifying capacity on Piclo’s innovative platform, we’re empowering utilities and CCAs to access the resources they need to meet their Resource Adequacy requirements while unlocking additional value for Sunrun and our customers. Sunrun is the industry leader in developing and operating virtual power plants and this collaboration layers in yet another avenue to create a more resilient, sustainable, and decarbonized energy future for the state.”
Piclo’s marketplace streamlines the procurement process for CCAs, enabling them to secure load-modifying resources well in advance of key deadlines, such as the April 1 CEC forecast deadline. These resources will help CCAs meet their RA obligations, by reducing peak load in 2026 and beyond.
With access to flexible and reliable energy solutions, California’s CCAs are better equipped to navigate the rapidly changing energy landscape, enhancing grid resilience while advancing.
CCAs are encouraged to engage with sellers immediately and secure contracts to reduce peak load before the April 1 CEC forecast deadline. Acting early ensures access to the flexible resources necessary to achieve a modern and secure grid.
With a variety of products and service periods to choose from, Piclo’s marketplace empowers CCAs to take control of their energy future, driving long-term and reliability.
As Piclo expands its presence across the United States, its role as a key marketplace for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) continues to grow. By connecting energy buyers with flexible resources, Piclo is creating a smarter, more efficient energy market.
With a focus on innovative digital solutions, Piclo is helping to lead the transition to a more flexible grid that meets the challenges of today while preparing for the future.
For more information or to connect with our team, please Contact our team .
For media inquiries, please contact piclo@fticonsulting.com.
Sunrun is the leading provider of residential solar, offering innovative energy solutions that allow customers to harness the power of the sun. Through its commitment to building a sustainable energy future, Sunrun is helping communities reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to clean, renewable power.
[This notice was updated on 22nd January, 2025]
Piclo’s mission is to decarbonise the grid. We develop software solutions that make our energy networks smarter, flexible and more sustainable. Our marketplace platform enables flex sellers (such as EV and battery owners) to access more electricity markets from one place. And enables flex buyers (system operators, US utilities) to source flexible electricity from more Distributed Energy Resources.
To date, Piclo has over 350,000 registered flexible assets representing 26+ GW of registered flex capacity, with flexibility contracts awarded totalling £75m and 3+ GW of flexible capacity procured.
Piclo currently operates in six global markets: in the UK, supporting all six Distribution System Operators (UK Power Networks, SP Energy Networks, Electricity North West, Northern Powergrid, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and National Grid Electricity Distribution); and the independent System Operator (NESO); in Ireland (ESB Networks), Italy (E-Distribuzione), Portugal (E-REDES)); in Australia (CitiPower, Powercor); and in the United States in New York State (National Grid) and Connecticut (United Illuminating, Eversource). Aside from its leading position in the UK, Piclo has a growing presence in Europe, USA and the Asia-Pacific.
For more information book a demo, follow us on LinkedIn, and watch us on YouTube.