Ava Community Energy Taps FranklinWH for Virtual Power Plant Program

Income-qualified participants enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance programs stand to receive the maximum $6,000 upfront incentive. Market-rate customers are eligible for rebates of up to $1,080. Beyond the initial payout, all participants receive ongoing quarterly payments of $3 per kilowatt-hour of enrolled capacity over a five-year term. For instance, a homeowner committing 80 percent of a 15 kWh battery system would secure roughly $36 in monthly payments alongside their upfront rebate.

Under this arrangement, homeowners retain control over their backup power while designating 40, 60, or 80 percent of their storage capacity for grid support. FranklinWH Chief Commercial Officer Vincent Ambrose noted the program helps homeowners maximize energy investments while stabilizing the broader electrical infrastructure. Ava Community Energy CEO Howard Chang added that the integration supports the provider’s mission to increase solar and storage accessibility for its two million customers. Enrollment is currently open on a first-come, first-served basis, marking another expansion for FranklinWH, which now participates in more than 25 similar utility-led programs across the United States.