Millin Bear and Gail Alfar interview in Austin, Texas.
(Austin, Texas)
This is the 33rd Gail’s Tesla Podcast episode. We are having a conversation with Millin Bear, and then going on a drive on FSD beta 11.4.7.2 in the lovely Westside of Austin, Texas to Pease Park, home of Eeyore’s Birthday Party.
It is interesting to note that Tesla’s beautiful Cybertruck has not only inspired Millin Bear to create a business (CyberTruckRentalsUSA.com) , it has served as a catalyst for many other businesses. All said, if there is a shortage of trucks produced by Ford, Inc. in Kentucky or elsewhere due to the strikes mandated by the UAW, Cybertruck will play an even bigger role in filling the demand for reliable utility vehicles.
Join us for a fun and relaxing podcast!
This is the 33rd Gail’s Tesla Podcast episode. We are having a conversation with Millin Bear, and then going on a drive on FSD beta 11.4.7.2 Join us for a fun and relaxing podcast!
01:31 Gail interviews Millin 02:28 Tesla Colorizer
02:36 FSDbeta Westside Austin
04:20 Turo vs. Cybertruck rentals
06:00 FSD beta version 11.4.7.2 downtown
07:19 Encounter with many Cruise cars
07:50 discussion of cruise vehicles.
09:00 discussion of Australian road rules.
10:00 FSD trip to Pease Park.
10:30 right turn obliterated challenge.
12:10 discussion about FSDbeta in Australia.
13:13 comparing Australian roads to roads in the USA.
14:00 challenging unprotected left turn “madness”
15:00 arriving at Pease Park, the home of Eeyore’s birthday party
15:32 Successful, narrow, busy road challenge
15:12 Tesla moves over to allow another car through
15:35 Tesla navigates through congestion at Pease Park
17:15 unprotected left turn.
17:45 FSD doing a better job than if a visitor drove manually.
19:17 why FSDbeta might be safer for tourists visiting the USA (then driving without it)
20:33 ROUNDABOUT
21:54 NHTSA, rolling stop “ban”
As you will see form the interview, there is a lot of excitement around the Cybertruck vehicle that Tesla has worked so painstakingly to build.
Hike & Bike Trail of East Austin, Colorado River, Courtesy CVSherman
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
Tesla FSD Beta version 11.4.7.2 takes you through canyon roads, around hairpin turns and up to Mount Bonnell in Austin.
This is my 32nd Podcast, and it is dedicated to my dog Latte RIP 2013-2023. Latte loved going to Mount Bonnell with its pretty views, the interesting people, and the many other dogs there. I wanted to do this podcast in his memory.
Tesla FSD beta version 11.4.7.2 takes you through canyon roads, around hairpin turns and up to Mount Bonnell in Austin. This is my 32nd Podcast, and it is dedicated to my dog Latte RIP 2013-2023 🐶🐾 pic.twitter.com/vDn2bowK86
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
Gail Alfar on Tesla FSD beta on Austin’s 2222 Road.
(Austin, Texas)
This was a hard day for our family, we lost our beloved dog, Latte, today. He was a wonderful and loyal little guy, thankfully, he had a good run in his life. I wanted to do a podcast in his honor, so I did one to a place that he once loved, Mount Bonnell on the West side of Austin, Texas. I also went to a BBQ spot where he (of course) loved getting rib bones from when they were available.
Come with me on this drive that includes a series of hairpin turns on very narrow and often unpainted roads.
Tesla FSD beta version 11.4.7.2 takes you through canyon roads, around hairpin turns and up to Mount Bonnell in Austin. This is my 32nd Podcast, and it is dedicated to my dog Latte RIP 2013-2023 🐶🐾 pic.twitter.com/vDn2bowK86
Apologies for getting the podcast numbers a little mixed up, this was the 32nd Podcast, though I labeled it the 31st one!
This drive is on Tesla FSD beat version 11.4.7.2
Users on X sent me condolences
When I shared on X that my dog passed away, I was comforted by over 175 people posting condolences and sharing their own thoughts and prayers. This was unexpected.
Send a little thought today – just lost my sweet dog – he was a good & loving creature that our whole family will miss 👋🏻 bye bye Latte 💔 miss you
An incredible deconstructed Tesla Model Y. Image credit, Gail Alfar
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
(Austin, Texas) The coffee is brewing, the day is starting (its Monday!) and Austin is buzzing, literally, as we were hit hard by hail last night and many people are outside cleaning up.
Tesla’s New Universal Wall Connector
I noticed Tesla shared new images of Model Y and another EV together, both charging using Tesla’s beautiful new product: Universal Wall Connector. These new connectors are shipping out to customers starting in October.
Additionally, Tesla will release features on the Tesla App soon to support some pretty cool applications for this product.
I’ve used the basic Tesla Wall Connector for three years now and it is beautiful in both form and function.
Opening Doors for Non-Tesla EV Owners
Tesla is welcoming owners of non-Tesla EVs to also enjoy the charging experience in several ways with this new product, here’s some of the features:
Up to 44 Miles of Range per Hour: Delivering a robust 11.5 kW / 48 amp output.
Integrated J1772 Adapter: Ensuring compatibility to charge any EV.
Smart Charging Management: Monitor and manage your charging schedule and usage seamlessly from the Tesla app.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: Access controls, over-the-air updates, and remote diagnostics at your fingertips.
Power-Sharing: Connect up to six Wall Connectors for workplaces and community living.
Generous Cable Length: A 24-foot cable for added convenience.
My thoughts
I think Tesla’s new Universal Wall Connector is right on track with the transition to all-electric vehicles.
I recently visited Polestar, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz to talk about their EVs.
Each time, I noticed that legacy auto is starting to sell more EVs to their loyal brand customers.
Jaguar announced last week they plan to adopt the NACS and exclusively build and sell only EVs by 2025.
Jaguar said in a Press Release on Sept 21:
“Jaguar will transform into an all-electric luxury brand by 2025, with uniquely expressive vehicles defined by pioneering technologies and visionary design. A copy of nothing.”
I’m all-in on Tesla FSD so my chances of ever switching brands is very low, and with that said, I’m really rooting for the success of other EVs, and this image shared by Tesla media, makes my heart happy.
The charging experience needs to be not only easy, but a pleasure! Every owner who invests in an EV now has the opportunity to also charge faster and easier.
Austin in the mist. Image Courtesy Shane Ware.
Gail Alfar, Author, US Army Military Veteran and Sharpshooter. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – September 25, 2023. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
Tesla helps Veterans from both the US and German Military in the important transition from military to fulfilling and productive civilian life.
Tesla has long welcomed US Military Veterans through its Veterans Career Program. Tesla is also opening its doors to veterans from the German Bundeswehr, the unified armed forces of Germany. Tesla aims to provide them with rewarding career opportunities at Giga Berlin (Gigafactory Grünheide). This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating German military personnel into the civilian workforce after their service ends.
Military Transition Program at Tesla
Initiated in November 2022
For several months now, Tesla has been actively reaching out to Bundeswehr members in Germany, offering them job opportunities at the Gigafactory Grünheide once their military service concludes. This transition program, initiated in November 2022, is set to transform the lives of veterans as they embark on a new journey with Tesla.
Now, the first group of veteran soldiers is ready for their exciting career transition through a special program initiated by Tesla. A spokesperson for Tesla confirmed that the first batch of 20 participants has commenced their roles at Tesla.
According to Tesla, approximately 50 military personnel are currently in the active recruitment process. This ambitious initiative has already reached “several hundred soldiers” through a job entry program specifically tailored for military personnel. Some of these individuals are still in active service and are considering Tesla as a potential employer once their service commitments conclude, as reported by the company’s spokesperson.
Skills and Opportunities for Bundeswehr Veterans
Special skills and mindset
Recruitment and training details
Tesla recognizes and values the “special skills and mindset” Bundeswehr members are known for. As part of the program, the first wave of participants will assume roles in key areas such as logistics, maintenance, and security. This program announcement emphasizes the qualities that Tesla seeks in applicants, including structured work habits, teamwork abilities, independence in work, and proficiency in both German and English.
Tesla has partnered with the Bundeswehr’s career development service (BfD) to launch the Military Transition Program. As part of this collaboration, soldier applicant days are organized at the Gigafactory Grünheide every month. Additionally, Tesla actively participates in Bundeswehr job fairs held across Germany, further promoting this unique employment opportunity to veterans.
Tesla’s Expanding Workforce in Gigafactory Grünheide
Doubling the current 11,000 employees
Job opportunities and growth plans
Presently, Tesla employs approximately 11,000 individuals at its Brandenburg factory. However, with ambitious expansion plans for the Giga Berlin, Tesla plans to double its workforce. This remarkable and fast growth underscores Tesla’s commitment to accelerating the transition to sustainable energy and to all-electric vehicles.
As part of this expansion, Tesla is advertising several hundred positions, offering diverse career opportunities to individuals with a wide range of skills and experiences. Recent job postings include positions such as paramedics, gardeners, and roofers, highlighting the diverse range of roles available within the Gigafactory.
Certainly, here’s a more streamlined version:
Tesla’s Commitment to Veterans in Texas and Beyond
Tesla Supports Veterans, this Model X serves to honor them for their dedication to serving their country.
In Texas, Tesla collaborates with the Texas Veterans Leadership Program (TVLP).
Last year, Tesla was commended for hiring Transitioning Service Members (TSMs) in the “Report on the Transition from Military Service to Employment” by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Tesla’s robust Veterans Program is ongoing, and provides veterans with meaningful career opportunities, acknowledging their valuable skills and experiences.
In March 2022, Tesla’s hiring managers engaged with many Transitioning Service Members (TSMs) and military spouses, underlining the company’s commitment to veterans at Fort Hood Army base near Killeen, Texas.
Tesla proudly welcomes Transitioning Service Members into its workforce, reaffirming its dedication to supporting veterans.
Tesla Model S Veterans Vehicle
My Thoughts
Tesla’s commitment to veterans, both in Germany and the United States, is evident through initiatives like the Military Transition Program and the Texas Veterans Leadership Program. These programs are so important because they bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment, providing veterans with life changing opportunities. Whether it’s recruiting Bundeswehr members for roles in Germany or collaborating with Texas veterans, Tesla is dedicated to reaching out to veterans to provide them with amazing job opportunities. Tesla’s Veterans Program honors the skills and experiences veterans uniquely have.
Reference in the German language for the article here.
Tesla Veterans Program
Gail Alfar, Author, US Army Military Veteran and Sharpshooter. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – September 24, 2023. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
DOE 71-page report, Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Virtual Power Plants
(Austin, Texas) We need energy. Our daily lives, jobs, all our meals and entertainment rely on it. Without power, I would not have enjoyed my breakfast this morning of cripsy toast and steaming hot Chai tea! Demand for electricity in our world is rising after a decade of stagnation, and there is a pressing requirement to retire fossil fuel dependence. This blog post is about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) new groundbreaking 71-page report that outlines the future of energy: Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).
Virtual Power Plants, or VPPs, may seem small, however they are poised to take center stage in the Energy Transition. At a time when the United States faces the monumental task of adding over 200 GW of peak demand power generation by 2030, and with the ambitious goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035, VPPs offer a solid, and much needed, solution. By deploying 80-160 GW of VPPs within the next decade, we can triple the current scale of these powerhouses, supporting rapid electrification while simultaneously cutting grid costs.
Expand DER adoption with equitable benefits, report, page 38
Breaking Down Transmission Interconnection Barriers
One of the most pressing concerns facing the power industry is the bottleneck in transmission interconnections, which averages a staggering five years. Enter VPPs. These innovative systems have the potential to alleviate this challenge by efficiently balancing supply and demand. By doing so, they can alleviate the strain on congested interconnection queues, ultimately speeding up the integration of clean energy sources.
Moreover, VPPs have the ability to curtail the need for constructing new transmission and distribution infrastructure. These costs are the fastest-growing component of the power sector, eclipsing energy and capacity expenses. As demand for electricity surges once again, meticulous management of transmission and distribution costs becomes paramount.
The Versatility of VPPs
VPPs are essentially aggregations of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles, smart buildings, and more. They operate on a utility scale, providing grid services that rival those of traditional power plants. While the current 30-60 GW of VPP capacity primarily serves as demand response programs, which manage DERs to balance electricity supply and demand, VPPs have the technical potential to do so much more!
VPPs are essentially aggregations of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles, smart buildings, and more. They operate on a utility scale, providing grid services that rival those of traditional power plants.
Beyond demand response, VPPs can reshape the landscape of the energy sector. They can shift EV charging times, dispatch excess energy back into the grid, and undertake a myriad of other functions that promise to revolutionize power distribution.
A Resilient Future
VPPs are not just about convenience; they are about sustainability and resilience. These systems can contribute to resource adequacy at a remarkably low cost, all while reducing emissions and air pollution. They empower communities to take control of their energy consumption, bringing in a new era of productivity.
For instance, imagine a VPP comprised of residential battery storage (think, Tesla Powerwalls), HVAC systems, and synchronous generators all providing peaking capacity at a fraction of the cost of natural gas, coal or oil peaker plants. The potential for efficiency and cost savings is staggering.
Examples of Action by the DOE. page 41 from the report.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
Yet, despite their immense potential, VPPs face challenges. Limited integration into electricity system planning and market participation hampers their growth. Regulatory obstacles and a need for standardization have eroded confidence in VPPs’ among utilities.
Call to Action
The DOE’s report is more than just a glimpse into a promising future; it’s a call to action. The report outlines 5 imperatives:
expanding DER adoption,
simplifying VPP enrollment,
increasing standardization,
integrating VPPs into utility planning, and
integrating them into wholesale markets.
The report stresses the need for continued investments in next-generation DER and VPP technologies. In fact, the DOE and its collaborators have already initiated more than 20 programs designed to accelerate VPP deployment.
My thoughts
In summary, the DOE’s 71-page report is a good first start in creating a blueprint for all people and business enterprises to rethink how the grid operates. Among the many incentives listed, I would add that local utilities should encourage, not discourage lower costs for customers who are willing to spend money on installing solar and residential battery backup to their homes. Thus, the back-up switch should be adopted by all entities. Tesla’s backup switch saves time and money. You can read about how when the power went down in Austin, my lights stayed on!
backup switch image courtesy Tesla, Inc.
For your family and mine, the future is bright, not dark and austere. Yes, we are running out of our earth’s quite limited recourse of all fossil fuels. But the sun is there every day, providing unending power that we just need to harness.
Solar Panels capture energy on top of Tesla Giga Texas
This article written by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly. With special mention to TESLA ENERGY & Arushi Sharma Frank, Drew Baglino, and may others. Thank you to Tesla Energy for being amazing. Thank you to Elon Musk for giving Masterplan 3 to the people of earth. Images Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
By now you’ve seen the headlines about how mean Elon Musk is.
Elon Musk was ‘super mean to Gates’ after the Tesla stock feud, refused a charity request via terse text message exchange, and Gates and Musk Clash Over Philanthropy and Climate Change
Elon Musk should be a lot nicer, right?
The media are villainizing Elon Musk, agreeing with Gates that Elon was mean to Gates after he gave him a tour in Austin of the Tesla Gigafactory, which produces the Model Y and will soon produce the Cybertruck.
Read on for more, but first, welcome to my blog! As I sit relaxing here in Austin, Texas, watching the sun go down on the end of September 11, I’m watching the buildings lit up in red, white, and blue and the flags at half-staff gracing the capital of Texas.
Living in such a beautiful city, in such a wonderful country where there are so many opportunities gives rise to hope in my heart that companies that are built by Americans in America will thrive. We’ve seen this happen with Apple, everybody equates Apple with being an American brand. Bill Gates built Microsoft in this country with some of the finest talent in Silicon Valley.
Everybody thinks of Microsoft as an American company, and it would seem odd indeed to outwardly root for these two American companies to fail.
Let’s fast forward to Tesla. I’ve never seen such an incredible company receive so much negative press and hatred, simply because the workers of that company chose not to unionize. There are other reasons, people say that Elon Musk is a person who doesn’t deserve for his company to be successful, because he steps on their toes, and doesn’t agree with everybody’s generalized overall opinion. He is a change-making type of person and for Elon Musk to accelerate change, he does things that are dramatically, different and fast.
So here we are with some new information that Bill Gates has held and may still be holding an extraordinarily large stock position against Tesla.
Gates May Be Tesla’s Biggest Shortseller
Make no mistake about it, a short position to the tune of millions of dollars is designed to only succeed if Tesla fails. The money that Gates had tied up in his short position is more than millions, he had shorted Tesla by $1.5 BILLION. This may place Gates in the running to be the person who shorted Tesla by the highest amount. Gates invested so much money in trying to kill Tesla, that he makes the TSLAQ crowd on the X App look like the Three Stooges in a roadside show!
To paint Elon Musk as a villain, because he was unhappy and hurt and angry when he found out Gates did this, is poor reporting.
If Gates retains a short position today against Tesla, he has a moral obligation to close his short position and re-purpose his money for good things.
Bill Gates has spent a lot of money and energy and effort, crafting a good public image. Early on he built a reputation as somebody saving lives in different countries through vaccine programs.
Walking the Walk: Elon Musk
Elon Musk doesn’t bother to curate his “public image” in this way, because he’s busy being first and foremost, a technologist, and an engineer. He is not trying to engineer his image for the public, he’s trying to engineer an opportunity for you and your children to have hope in the future, which means everybody gets a chance to watch humanity have a base on the moon.
Elon is giving people an opportunity to see space travel originate in our country.
He is giving people an opportunity to see beautiful vehicles built in factories in the USA. He brings jobs to people who need them.
Today the news came out (this was totally ignored by the media) that Tesla generated 28,524 jobs in the last year, this is more than double the number of jobs generated by any other EV manufacturer. See the report by Inside EVs, “USA added over 188K EV-Related Jobs, Led by Tesla.”
As an American, I couldn’t imagine rooting for Elon Musk to fail, he is the inspiration and success story that we should be rooting for. We should be hoping his company succeeds, hoping his employees thrive, and hoping that the continued success of SpaceX showers down on Starship, which is man’s hope for becoming multi-planetary.
We ought to all be very grateful to Elon Musk for utilizing his unique style to greatly improve our world. If you are like me, a parent with kids, and I have five kids, you know you support each of your kids and you endeavor to see all the good in them.
ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ ʏ ᴀᴛ ɢɪɢᴀ ᴛᴇxᴀꜱ
To sum up, Bill Gates truly has a moral obligation to close his short position on Tesla. My suggestion to Mr. Gates would be that he would repurpose those billions into something good to make up for the damage he has caused to Tesla, he should designate those funds to go towards something good. I hope you have a beautiful month of September, Enjoy your life, your friends, and your family, and find precious moments to rejuvenate yourself. I rejuvenate myself by writing, and I appreciate your readership.
Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly. Gail writes on X independently, she also writes for WhatsUpX.
The energy landscape in the USA is evolving rapidly, driven by the urgent need to transition to cleaner, more reliable, and sustainable sources of power. In this pursuit, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is taking steps to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, into the national electricity grid. Joining forces with FERC in this transformative journey is Tesla, Inc., a trailblazer in energy solutions.
Order No. 2023: Effective 11/6/2023
It’s important to note that the changes discussed in this article stem from Order No. 2023, published in the Federal Register and set to take effect on November 6, 2023. This landmark order marks a significant turning point in the quest for a more efficient and accessible energy grid [link below].
Tailoring Project Controls for Efficiency
Tesla’s involvement in these reforms goes beyond advocacy—it’s about driving actionable change. Tesla recognizes that not all energy projects are created equal, especially when it comes to non-synchronous generating facilities. In a bid to enhance efficiency and enable smarter decision-making, Tesla has requested crucial information from developers. This data includes intricate details about the number of generating facilities, power control devices, and technical specifications specific to each project. Armed with this information, developers can tailor their project controls, reducing costs and optimizing performance.
Collaboration for Knowledge Sharing
Tesla, in collaboration with American Electric Power (AEP) and the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), has initiated a groundbreaking collaborative initiative. They’ve called on FERC to launch a comprehensive proceeding and host a technical conference, gathering industry experts and stakeholders. The primary objective is to identify valuable information tools, establish consistent and transparent study assumptions, share best practices, and provide guidance to less experienced interconnection customers. This collaborative effort aims to empower all players in the clean energy sector, fostering knowledge sharing and driving progress.
Batteries as Virtual Transmission
Tesla’s innovative thinking extends to considering batteries as virtual transmission resources. This visionary concept unlocks a multitude of benefits, such as providing:
emergency capacity for congested transmission lines,
efficient management of surplus energy generation, and
valuable contributions to grid stability
By embracing this concept, the energy industry can optimize existing infrastructure and bolster grid reliability, all thanks to Tesla’s forward-thinking approach.
Advanced Modeling for Precision
In collaboration with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Tesla advocates for the widespread adoption of user-defined library RMS (root mean square current/voltage) positive sequence dynamics models. These models offer a significantly more accurate representation of the technology used by energy resources, resulting in enhanced modeling precision. This advancement is pivotal in supporting the increased adoption of renewable resources. Tesla further encourages FERC to gather comprehensive information from transmission providers about the software tools and resources required to effectively integrate user-defined RMS modeling.
A Novel Approach to Validation
Tesla introduces a pioneering approach to validation for non-synchronous generating facilities. In place of relying solely on attestations or test data, Tesla suggests a more comprehensive “model-to-model” and “product-to-model” benchmarking data submission process. This innovative method promises to streamline the validation process, ensuring greater efficiency and accuracy for both interconnection customers and regulators.
Conclusion
FERC and Tesla, Inc., are at the forefront of a clean energy revolution. Their collaborative efforts transcend advocacy, driving tangible change that benefits both the energy industry and the environment. As they continue to work hand in hand and champion cleaner energy solutions, the possibilities for a greener, more sustainable energy landscape are limitless. Order No. 2023 marks a significant leap towards a brighter, greener energy future, ushering in a new era of accessibility and efficiency in the energy sector.
Come along for a flawless drive on FSD beta 11.4.7 to check out some different electric bikes in Austin, Texas. These bikes are easy to operate and are very fast. I tested out a few bikes and really enjoyed the hospitality of the folks at the Bike Farm at 5440 Burnet Road in Austin.
Come join me for our 28th podcast with info on FSDbeta 11.4.7 and buying eBikes ⚡️🔋 pic.twitter.com/oPJ5Z6j7a6
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
In the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy and distributed resources, Tesla, Inc. has emerged as a leader in customer care and innovation through its groundbreaking participation in the ERCOT Aggregated Distributed Energy Resource (ADER) Pilot Project in the State of Texas. Over the course of just one year, Tesla has achieved remarkable milestones, showcasing its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to its customers and driving the transition towards a more sustainable and reliable energy grid.
The ADER Pilot Project was initiated following discussions and directives laid out in a memorandum dated July 13, 2022, in Project No. 51603. This visionary project aimed to explore the integration of distributed energy resources into the ERCOT grid, transforming them into virtual power plants (VPPs) capable of providing essential energy and reserves. Tesla, Inc. took on the challenge with gusto, and the results are nothing short of impressive.
Pioneering the Future of Energy Participation
One of the most significant accomplishments of the ADER Pilot Project is the establishment of a mechanism for controllable Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to actively participate in ERCOT’s 5-minute dispatch. Unlike traditional demand-side response programs, Tesla’s innovation allows individual devices to act as electricity injectors or non-injectors, responding dynamically to grid conditions with the precision expected of conventional generation resources.
Tesla’s engineers developed an ADER control system that anticipates availability and influences response every five minutes. This revolutionary system takes into account the unique characteristics, constraints, and preferences of each site and device, ensuring a response that matches or exceeds the capabilities of traditional generation or storage resources.
Setting New Standards for Grid Integration
The ADER Pilot Project also achieved milestones in collaboration with distribution utilities, ensuring safe and reliable integration of DERs. Distribution utilities played a crucial role in commissioning and operating ADERs, working closely with Tesla to develop a registration and qualification process. In under a year, Tesla established a functional process to identify potential participants, validate interconnections, maintain precise customer premise information, and verify non-overlapping demand response program participation.
This work has not only facilitated the integration of ADERs into the grid but has also provided distribution utilities with unprecedented visibility into the impacts of ADERs on their systems. This level of detailed information exchange is a testament to Tesla’s dedication to transparency and cooperation in its customer care approach.
Empowering Customers through Real-time Engagement
Customer engagement and transparency have been cornerstones of Tesla’s approach to the ADER Pilot Project. Tesla Electric customers have been empowered with knowledge about ERCOT prices, energy sellback rates, and grid conditions. They understand the significance of ERCOT’s high offer cap and the role it plays as dispatchable capacity during peak periods. Tesla’s ADER pilot has enhanced customer engagement by providing real-time information through its Tesla app.
Customers are not only connected to ERCOT markets through their devices but also through the Tesla app, which offers notifications about Tesla Powerwall deployment based on ERCOT Load Zone Price. Tesla has even introduced dynamic price settings and web-based/mobile notifications, giving customers more control and awareness of their energy consumption.
Creating Innovative Customer Incentives
Innovation doesn’t stop at grid integration; Tesla has also been at the forefront of developing customer incentives. Customers participating in the ADER Pilot Project can now receive monthly bill credits reflecting their contributions to the program. These bill credits can often exceed the value created by each customer, making it a financially attractive proposition.
Tesla’s forward-looking approach aims to retain customer engagement with consistent revenue streams while creating additional incentives for peak demand periods. By continually rewarding customers for their participation, Tesla ensures a mutually beneficial relationship with its customers, aligning their interests with grid reliability.
Paving the Way for Future Participation
Tesla’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its own customer base. The company has worked to enable third-party participation in the ADER Pilot Project, recognizing the importance of expanding ADER populations to create a sustainable and meaningful impact on ERCOT.
The project has also led to the development of precise measurement and verification processes, ensuring accurate load curtailment at a device level. This level of detail is critical for maintaining grid reliability and optimizing the use of DERs.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While Tesla has achieved remarkable success in the first year of the ADER Pilot Project, challenges remain. The company has identified the need for higher caps to make ADERs economically viable on a larger scale. Additionally, the introduction of the Dispatchable Reliability Reserve Service (DRRS) poses new considerations for ADERs’ future revenue potential. Tesla remains dedicated to addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of ADERs in the ERCOT market.
In conclusion, Tesla, Inc.’s efforts in the ADER Pilot Project exemplify its unwavering dedication to customer care and innovation. By pioneering new standards for grid integration, empowering customers through real-time engagement, creating innovative incentives, and enabling future participation, Tesla is driving the transition towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future. As the ADER Pilot Project progresses, Tesla’s commitment to customer care and innovation will undoubtedly continue to shine as a beacon of progress in the energy industry.
ADER Task force Chair Jason Ryan and Co-Chair Arushi Sharma Frank at the PUC in Austin, Texas.
whatsuptesla.com 