Virtual Peaker
Virtual Peaker is a cloud-based SaaS company that provides a virtual power plant platform for electric utilities, aggregating and controlling distributed energy resources through modular DERMS, customer engagement, and AI forecasting suites. It serves investor-owned, municipal, and cooperative utilities across North America.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersLouisville, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
Virtual Peaker firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Virtual Peaker
- Legal name
- Virtual Peaker, Inc.
- Website
- https://virtual-peaker.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Virtual Peaker is a cloud-based SaaS company that provides a virtual power plant platform for electric utilities, aggregating and controlling distributed energy resources through modular DERMS, customer engagement, and AI forecasting suites. It serves investor-owned, municipal, and cooperative utilities across North America.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Virtual Peaker industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Utility Distributed Energy Resource Management (DERMS) / Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Software
- NAICS
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518210)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)
- akta.pro primary industry
- VPP Optimization, Forecasting & Dispatch Software (AI/ML, Digital Twins) (EUAFAHAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- DERMS Platforms & Utility Integration (ADMS/SCADA Integration, Hosting Capacity) (EUAFAHAF), DER Management Systems (DERMS) & Virtual Power Plants (VPP) (EUADAPAD), Aggregator-as-a-Service & White-Label VPP Programs (Retailers, OEMs, Utilities) (EUAFAHAK), EV Charging & Fleet VPP Aggregation (Managed Charging, V2G, Depot/Highway) (EUAFAHAC), Residential DER Aggregation & VPPs (Solar+Storage, Smart Home, Community) (EUAFAHAA), Telemetry, Metering & Measurement & Verification (M&V) for Flexibility (EUAFAHAJ)
Keywords
Where Virtual Peaker is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Louisville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Virtual Peaker business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- SaaS Platform Subscription: Virtual Peaker operates as a SaaS company providing a distributed energy platform to utilities. The platform is sold as a subscription with modular suites (DERMS, Customer Engagement, Forecasting) that can be added based on utility needs. Pricing is quote-based and customized for each utility.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Custom SaaS subscription based on utility size and required modules |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Virtual Peaker product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Virtual Peaker sells a cloud-based, modular SaaS Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform that aggregates and controls behind-the-meter distributed energy resources (DERs)—smart thermostats, EV chargers, water heaters, batteries, and solar inverters—for electric utilities. The platform combines Grid-Edge DERMS (Shift), customer engagement and incentive processing (Relay), and AI-driven demand forecasting (Envision), with an optional patented Topline Demand Control capability that uses model predictive control to deliver predictable aggregate load shape for utility demand response and VPP programs.
Product overview
Virtual Peaker offers a modular, suite-based Virtual Power Plant (VPP) SaaS platform for utilities. The core platform unifies three integrated suites — Shift (Grid-Edge DERMS for device aggregation and control), Relay (customer engagement and incentive processing), and Envision (AI-driven demand forecasting) — plus a premium next-generation capability called Topline Demand Control that enables real-time, predictable aggregate DER load shaping using model predictive control. All suites share a common data layer, integrate with 35+ native device OEM integrations via the Gravity Connect API, and are designed to scale from small cooperatives to large investor-owned utilities. The platform manages DERs including smart thermostats, EV chargers, water heaters, batteries, and solar inverters across residential, commercial, and industrial segments.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Virtual Peaker Platform Cloud-based, modular SaaS Virtual Power Plant platform that aggregates and manages distributed energy resources through unified Grid-Edge DERMS, customer engagement, demand forecasting, and VPP dispatch capabilities for electric utilities.
- Shift (Grid-Edge DERMS Suite) Grid-Edge DERMS suite that aggregates and controls behind-the-meter smart devices—thermostats, EV chargers, water heaters, and batteries—to run residential, commercial, and industrial demand flexibility programs that reduce cost and peak load for utilities.
- Relay (Customer Engagement Suite) Customer engagement suite that drives enrollment and participation in demand flexibility programs through branded microsites, enrollment forms, automated messaging, incentive processing (checks, e-gift cards, bill credits, donations), and a homeowner app with real-time energy usage data.
- Envision (Forecasting Suite) AI-driven demand forecasting suite using real-time machine learning and expert-verified model inputs to predict system load at multiple horizons (1-day to 1-year) and forecast flexible DER capacity 48 hours before events for utilities.
- Topline Demand Control Patented next-generation VPP capability combining real-time control with model predictive control (MPC) to plan and coordinate DER output for predictable, reliable aggregate load shaping, allowing utilities to specify exact energy amounts over precise time periods.
- Gravity Connect API Free, open-spec API for OEM developers that enables two-way integrations providing device telemetry and control for utility program participation, designed to replace unwieldy OpenADR and IEEE 2030.5 practices.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program approach and platform capability that lets utilities enroll and manage customer-owned smart devices—solar batteries, thermostats, water heaters, EV chargers, and heat pumps—in demand response programs using a universal API for rapid new device type integration.
- EV Managed Charging Managed EV charging solution enabling utilities to launch EV demand response programs with load shifting and peak load reduction capabilities, integrating EV chargers and vehicle telematics and supporting Vehicle-to-Grid bidirectional charging.
- Incentive Processing Incentive processing capability within the Relay suite that automates tracking, approval, and payout of demand flexibility program incentives including checks, e-gift cards, prepaid digital cards, donations, bill credits, and cashback.
- Program Management Automation Automated customer engagement and program management features within Relay, including templated messaging, event triggers, automated sequences, and 'set it and forget it' enrollment capabilities to streamline demand response program operations for utilities.
- Localized Dispatch (Formations) Advanced DER grouping and locational dispatch capabilities (Formations architecture) that allow utilities to view and control DERs by type, location, capacity, or custom parameters, enabling dispatch downstream of specific distribution constraints and ISO/RTO market participation.
- Demand Response Full demand response program suite enabling configurable, flexible, and scalable DR programs with support for behavioral DR and device control, event calling capabilities, device-level data, customer performance tracking, and event aggregate reporting.
- Customer Engagement Customer-facing tools including branded microsites, templated messaging, direct customer communication, the Homeowner App with real-time energy usage data, and incentive payout options to drive enrollment and retention in demand response programs.
- Commercial & Industrial Load Management API-first integration of commercial and industrial loads into the Virtual Peaker platform, providing multi-megawatt capacity for grid stability and wholesale market participation through standardized, secure communication with high-value C&I assets.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40-60% lower cost than traditional firm capacity additions
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Virtual Peaker
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Virtual Peaker technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration36 records
AI capability4 records
Feature7 records
Virtual Peaker partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP)coreCo-hosting webinar on February 11, 2026 focusing on how utilities can leverage distributed energy resources and AI to improve grid reliability. Features speakers from Virtual Peaker and Tesla discussing grid-edge DERMS technology and demand flexibility programs.
- TeslacoreFeatured speaker in AESP webinar discussing grid-edge DERMS technology, OEM partnerships, and demand flexibility programs. Tesla Energy operations integrated into Virtual Peaker platform.
- Newfoundland PowercoreVirtual Peaker powering Newfoundland Power's TakeCharge Mysa Thermostat pilot—their first residential space heating demand response program. Pilot enrolled nearly 600 customers and 2,700+ devices in 2 months, marking Virtual Peaker's expansion into Canada.
- MysacoreSmart thermostat manufacturer powering Newfoundland Power's winter demand response pilot. Mysa is headquartered in Newfoundland, making this a locally-rooted partnership. Partnership enables residential space heating load shifting during winter peak events.
- CLEAResultcoreImplementation partner for Newfoundland Power's TakeCharge Mysa Thermostat pilot. CLEAResult also partnered on SMECO's FlexHome pilot program and other demand response implementations.
- GuidehouseminorIndependent pilot evaluator for Newfoundland Power's TakeCharge Mysa Thermostat demand response pilot, assessing technical and customer dimensions.
- NISCcorePartnership providing enhanced DER management options integrated with NISC's Marketing solution, Multi-Channel Messenger, Meter Data Management, and SmartHub platforms.
- EatoncoreStrategic partnership combining Eaton's intelligent power management solutions with Virtual Peaker's cloud-based residential energy demand response platform. Enables utilities to make household loads grid-ready.
- Enel X North AmericacorePartnership to deliver smart charging solutions to new markets through Virtual Peaker's platform, benefiting utilities and their customers with EV demand flexibility.
- FranklinWHcoreIntegration of FranklinWH's advanced power systems with Virtual Peaker's dynamic DER management solutions, delivering reliable power and financial incentives to battery owners while supporting grid modernization. Partnership supports Holy Cross Energy's Power+FLEX program.
- Enphase EnergycoreIntegration of Enphase's advanced solar inverters with Virtual Peaker's platform, empowering solar and battery owners to contribute to grid stability. Partnership helps utilities optimize grid operations, reduce peak demand, and accelerate clean energy transition.
- FLO (AddEnergie)coreIntegration of FLO residential charging solutions with Virtual Peaker's platform, enabling utilities to offer smart-home charging stations and expanding EV managed charging programs.
- ChargePointcoreEV charging integration enabling Virtual Peaker to manage ChargePoint chargers within demand flexibility programs, providing expanded performance measurement and driver adoption support.
- AspenTechminorFeatured in API integrations webinar exploring how utilities can strategically utilize APIs to integrate diverse DER technologies and data streams into existing infrastructure.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Virtual Peaker competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AutoGrid (Schneider Electric): AutoGrid, now part of Schneider Electric, is a leading DERMS and VPP platform serving utilities with distributed energy optimization, forecasting, and dispatch — directly comparable in product scope and customer base to Virtual Peaker's Shift + Envision + TDC suites.
- EnergyHub: EnergyHub operates a DERMS platform for utilities that aggregates behind-the-meter devices for demand response and VPP programs. It overlaps directly with Virtual Peaker's Shift suite in targeting IOUs, municipal utilities, and co-ops with thermostat, water heater, battery, and EV integrations.
- Uplight: Uplight provides a utility customer engagement and energy management platform with VPP/DER orchestration capabilities. It competes head-to-head with Virtual Peaker's Relay customer engagement suite and Shift DERMS across North American utilities.
- Leap: Leap is a DERMS platform purpose-built for utilities to orchestrate distributed energy resources, with deep EV charging and home device integrations — closely mirroring Virtual Peaker's device-aggregation and managed EV charging approach.
- OATI (Open Access Technology International): OATI offers DERMS, ADMS, and grid management software to utilities and ISO/RTOs, including distributed energy aggregation and dispatch. It competes in the same utility procurement cycles as Virtual Peaker for VPP and DER orchestration contracts.
- Olivine: Olivine provides DERMS and demand response program management for utilities, including residential, commercial, and industrial load management. It is a direct peer in market segment and product scope.
Emerging players
- GridPoint: GridPoint focuses on commercial and small commercial DERMS and energy management, with some overlap to Virtual Peaker's C&I load management module. It is a comparable peer in adjacent segments, particularly for C&I flexibility programs.
Broad incumbents
- Siemens Smart Infrastructure (Grid Software): Siemens' Grid Software suite includes ADMS, DERMS, and energy management modules sold to global utilities. While not a specialist VPP SaaS, it competes head-to-head on DERMS RFPs and benefits from incumbency in utility control rooms.
- Hitachi Energy (DERMS / Lumada): Hitachi Energy's Lumada APM and DERMS offerings target large utility transmission and distribution customers. It is a broader incumbent with overlapping ADMS / DER integration capabilities.
- Enel X (now Enel X Way / Demand Response business): Enel X operates one of the largest utility-facing demand response and DER aggregation businesses in North America, partnering with utilities like ConEd and others. It is a broader incumbent peer with comparable demand response program offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Virtual Peaker social profiles
Digital presenceVirtual Peaker compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Virtual Peaker financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Virtual Peaker leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Virtual Peaker funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Virtual Peaker M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Virtual Peaker
What does Virtual Peaker do?
Virtual Peaker sells a cloud-based, modular SaaS Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform that aggregates and controls behind-the-meter distributed energy resources (DERs)—smart thermostats, EV chargers, water heaters, batteries, and solar inverters—for electric utilities. The platform combines Grid-Edge DERMS (Shift), customer engagement and incentive processing (Relay), and AI-driven demand forecasting (Envision), with an optional patented Topline Demand Control capability that uses model predictive control to deliver predictable aggregate load shape for utility demand response and VPP programs.
Is Virtual Peaker a public or private company?
Virtual Peaker is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Virtual Peaker founded?
Virtual Peaker was founded in 2015. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Virtual Peaker based?
Virtual Peaker is headquartered in Louisville, United States, in the North America region.
How does Virtual Peaker make money?
One revenue line is on record: saaS Platform Subscription.
Who are Virtual Peaker's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AutoGrid (Schneider Electric), EnergyHub, Uplight, Leap, OATI (Open Access Technology International) and Olivine. GridPoint is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Siemens Smart Infrastructure (Grid Software), Hitachi Energy (DERMS / Lumada) and Enel X (now Enel X Way / Demand Response business).
Does Virtual Peaker have an API?
Yes. Virtual Peaker offers a public API library with over 35 native integrations. The API enables data ingestion, device command dispatch, customer enrollment, event scheduling, incentive processing, forecasting, and analytics. It supports open standards including OpenADR and IEEE 2030.5 for VPP event coordination, and integrates with SCADA, ADMS, and DERMS systems. APIs are available for reporting, forecasting, analytics, enrollment management, event calling, and homeowner messaging. Developer documentation is at virtual-peaker.com/apis.
What industry is Virtual Peaker in?
Virtual Peaker's product category is Utility Distributed Energy Resource Management (DERMS) / Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAFAHAG, VPP Optimization, Forecasting & Dispatch Software (AI/ML, Digital Twins), with a secondary code of EUAFAHAF, DERMS Platforms & Utility Integration (ADMS/SCADA Integration, Hosting Capacity). Its NAICS code is 2211 and its SIC code is 7373.