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

EPISODE · Jun 3, 2026 · 1H 13M

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

from Volts · host David Roberts

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/subscribeIn 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.

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

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This episode was published on June 3, 2026.

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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/subscribeIn the US, clean energy tends to get bogged down in red tape, but there’s one category that you can install...

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