“Virtual power plant” might be trending—but Eversource’s Tilak Subrahmanian says it misses the mark.

In this RE+ Northeast PowerUp Live stage interview, Nico sits down with Tilak for a refreshingly candid utility perspective on how distributed energy resources (DERs) are being integrated, managed, and monetized at scale. Spoiler: it's not just about demand response anymore.

From managing EV charging loads to influencing ISO capacity calculations, Tilak breaks down how Eversource is designing a distributed grid built for policy, performance, and people. If you’ve ever wondered how utilities actually think about DERs, this is the episode for you.

What you’ll learn:

🔹 How 70,000 residential and 400+ commercial customers help Eversource manage load

🔹 What “edge DOMs” and “grid DOMs” are—and why they matter

🔹 How Eversource partners with OEMs like Renew Home and EV manufacturers

🔹 Why toaster ovens are the secret weapon in small business energy efficiency

This is utility thinking, unfiltered. Tap play and gain a deeper understanding of the real opportunities—and challenges—behind the energy transition.

Other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolar

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

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You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Episode 103: 89 - How Do We Know the Moon Landing Isn't Fake