CPower Gathers Energy Leaders to Tackle Grid Reliability and Scaling

The summit brought together policymakers, grid operators, and major energy users—including data centers, healthcare systems, and educational institutions—to address the urgent need for infrastructure investment alongside immediate flexibility solutions. Scott Hart, Executive Vice President of NRG Business, emphasized that while long-term generation and transmission projects remain essential, virtual power plants provide a critical, immediate mechanism to deliver value and grid stability.

CPower, an NRG company, leverages a network of 21,000 participating sites to manage energy flexibility. Since 2015, the firm has returned over $1.5 billion to energy users through its programs. During the event, the company presented its annual Customer-Powered Grid Awards, recognizing organizations such as the Houston Independent School District, Penn State Health, and Tishman Speyer Properties for their contributions to grid reliability. Shelley Schopp, CPower’s Chief Operating Officer, noted that these honorees represent a shift toward prioritizing sustainability and operational excellence in response to the nation's evolving energy demands.