GVEC Becomes First Tesla Utility Partner in Texas

GONZALES, Texas, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GVEC is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Tesla, Inc. (Tesla), making the Cooperative the first in Texas to participate with Tesla as a utility-scale virtual power plant resource in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Aggregated Distributed Energy Resource (ADER) pilot program.

Through the ADER program, the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as battery storage systems and other controllable devices, is being explored as dispatchable generation into the Texas wholesale energy market to improve year-round grid stability and reliability. Recent updates show the ADER program has registered approximately 17 megawatts in generation from companies like Tesla with their residential battery customers.

GVEC is a cooperative that delivers electricity, internet, AC/Heating, solar and battery, and electrician services. The Cooperative currently serves over 130,000 customers covering a 3,200 square mile span of South-Central Texas and is continuously evolving to empower the people and communities within the region. With growing consumer interest in alternative energy sources, GVEC expanded its offerings to become a certified installer of Tesla battery systems in 2019 and sales have been increasing year after year. With the advanced systems, supportive customers, and this new agreement in place, Tesla and GVEC are working together to not only satisfy consumer needs through battery sales but also present an innovative demand-side industry solution.

GVEC Board President Gary Birdwell sees the collaboration as a significant and positive step toward achieving the goals of the pilot project. "Consumer generated energy is quickly becoming an important resource for the Texas wholesale electricity market. Cooperation between GVEC and Tesla, two prominent market participants, uniting to utilize their strengths for the common goal of building stability and resiliency of the grid is a strategic move. Creative solutions such as this will make a real difference in meeting the constantly rising demand and maintaining affordability for all Texas utility customers."

GVEC members are incentivized to join the program through rebates provided upfront upon registration in its Peak-Time Payback (PTP) program, then an on-going annual rebate each year of participation. Through PTP, during times of high demand or as regularly scheduled throughout the year, GVEC, in conjunction with Tesla, can access up to 70% of the total capacity of each battery system to discharge back into the home reducing or eliminating the home's reliance on the grid or send electrons directly to the grid once local demand is met. Discharge events will not take place during extreme weather conditions or outage situations, ensuring members have backup power when needed.

According to GVEC General Manager and CEO Darren Schauer, "Tesla has been a major player in the ADER pilot program since its inception. They are a highly visible company with the capabilities and expertise to meet the robust participation requirements. As an additional benefit, GVEC has the ability to offer ancillary services directly onto the market. This means GVEC Powerwall members can now support the needs of the Texas grid while also creating a new revenue stream to reinforce the long-term financial strength of their member-owned cooperative." Schauer adds, "This partnership is a strong addition to the proactive steps GVEC has already taken to expand DER programs for our members. As opportunities and technologies continue to evolve, GVEC will continue to seek new ways to spur the advancement of impactful solutions for the Cooperative, our members, and the electric industry."

GVEC is a progressive cooperative focused on delivering products and services that empower the people and communities in South Central Texas. A trusted, local partner since 1938, today GVEC provides dependable electricity, high-speed internet, and beyond the meter services like AC/heating, solar and battery storage solutions, and electrician services. The Cooperative proudly serves over 130,000 consumers in surrounding areas through five customer service locations in Cuero, Gonzales, La Vernia, Schertz and Seguin. Find more information on GVEC at gvec.org or on all social media platforms.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gvec-becomes-first-tesla-utility-partner-in-texas-302389967.html

SOURCE Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative