SVCE Board approves Lunar Energy's energy management services agreement

The recent SVCEA Board of Directors meeting held on May 14, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in energy management that promise to benefit local residents. A key focus was the implementation of a Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) aimed at optimizing energy use and reducing costs for customers.

During the meeting, board members discussed the importance of understanding how the 7,000 installed battery systems are distributed across various communities. This data will not only educate the board but also help gauge the effectiveness of current energy programs and encourage greater participation among residents. Director Lee, who shared his personal experience with battery incentives, emphasized the need for automated load shifting to alleviate peak energy demands, which often lead to higher costs for consumers.

Public comments echoed the board's enthusiasm, with community members expressing support for the DERMS initiative. One speaker pointed out that flattening energy demand peaks could lead to lower electricity rates, especially as the region anticipates a 70% growth in energy demand over the next two decades. The speaker noted that if demand could be managed effectively, the existing transmission and distribution systems might not need significant expansion, ultimately benefiting customers financially.

The board unanimously approved a resolution to authorize CEO Monica Padilla to execute a services agreement with Lunar Energy for the DERMS project. This decision is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing energy efficiency and promoting the use of renewable resources in the community.

As the SVCEA moves forward with these initiatives, residents can expect not only potential cost savings but also a more sustainable energy future. The board's commitment to innovation and local partnerships reflects a broader goal of fostering a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape in Cupertino and surrounding areas.