Virtual Powder Plant™ | CutPeak Energy
CutPeak Energy introduces the Virtual Powder Plant™ which links ski areas with on-site battery storage into a coordinated virtual power plant (VPP). Each resort gains local resilience—protecting snowmaking, lifts, and guest experience—while contributing to a larger energy network that stabilizes the grid.
By combining dozens of independent ski areas into one aggregated fleet within the ISO territory, we create merchant revenue opportunities, reduce demand charges, and deliver measurable environmental impact.
How It Works
Step 1: Local Controller – Each ski area installs a CutPeak microgrid controller. It plugs in simply—using available power and ethernet from any generation asset or the master meter—to simulate battery storage and provide proof of savings.
Step 2: On-Site Battery Storage – Once proven, a battery system is added. It reduces demand charges, provides backup power, and supports snowmaking resilience.
Step 3: Aggregation into the Virtual Powder Plant™ – Each site connects digitally to the broader fleet. Collectively, dozens of ski areas become a coordinated virtual power plant (VPP) within the ISO market.
Step 4: Grid Services & Revenue – The aggregated fleet can respond in seconds to balance supply and demand. By acting together, ski areas create merchant revenue opportunities, reduce grid strain, and avoid reliance on polluting peaker plants.
Step 5: Long-Term Partnership – CutPeak Energy stays with each resort for asset management, operations, and maintenance—ensuring reliable performance for both the ski area and the grid.
Why It Matters for Ski Areas
Lower Energy Costs – Demand charge reduction and access to new grid services.
Stronger Resilience – Batteries buy time to drain snowmaking lines and keep lifts running during outages.
No CAPEX Model – Projects are financed through guaranteed savings, making adoption simple.
Climate Leadership – Resorts become anchors for renewable integration in rural communities.
Reducing Grid Strain & Avoiding Peaker Plants
The Virtual Powder Plant™ doesn’t just benefit ski areas—it supports the entire grid. By aggregating distributed batteries, these resources can respond quickly to spikes in demand, reducing strain during heat waves, cold snaps, or other events.
In concert, participating ski areas form a flexible reserve that prevents the need to fire up coal or natural gas peaker plants—the costliest, most polluting resources our grid relies on. By avoiding these emissions-heavy plants, the Virtual Powder Plant™ improves air quality, lowers carbon intensity, and provides a cleaner, faster alternative for balancing supply and demand.
Vision for the Future
Just as snowmaking transformed skiing, the Virtual Powder Plant™ will transform how ski areas power their future. Our long-term vision is a nationwide fleet of ski-area-based VPPs: stabilizing the grid, generating new revenue, and ensuring the vitality of mountain communities.
Ready to Join the Virtual Powder Plant™?
CutPeak Energy partners with independent ski areas ready to lead the next energy transition. Contact us today to learn how your resort can participate.