‘Distributed energy resources’ like EVs and heat pumps could reduce 10% of peak electricity demand in B.C.: study - Clean Energy Canada

A study commissioned by Clean Energy Canada and conducted by Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors highlights the significant potential of distributed energy resources (DERs)—such as electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and efficient water heaters—to reduce peak electricity demand in British Columbia by more than 10% by 2040. DERs are customer-connected technologies capable of generating, storing, or flexibly managing energy demand, and when coordinated by utilities, they form “virtual power plants” (VPPs) that offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional infrastructure expansion. The study examines three scenarios, finding that while current plans anticipate a 4.2% peak load reduction through DERs by 2025, an accelerated electrification approach combined with DER programs could achieve a 10.4% reduction, helping B.C. meet climate targets and manage growing electricity demand more efficiently. The majority of peak demand reductions come from residential DERs, particularly EV load management and residential heating technologies, underscoring the need for