TLDR
- PG&E stock rebounds after the utility unveils its SHARE smart home energy network
- Tesla and Sunrun will connect nearly 21,000 home energy devices to PG&E’s grid
- Google will fully fund incentives and technology deployment for the SHARE program
- Carrier will supply battery-enabled heat pumps for eligible Bay Area households
- PG&E expects SHARE to support the grid from fall 2026 and continue through 2027
PG&E (PCG) stock recovered slightly in pre-market trading after the utility unveiled a new smart home energy network. PCG rose 0.26% to $13.36 after falling 5.19% to $13.33 during the previous session. The company said the program will connect household energy devices to support California’s electric grid.
PG&E Builds Virtual Power Plant With Tesla and Google
PG&E launched SHARE, or Smart Home Assets for Reliability and Efficiency, as a new virtual power plant program. The project brings together Tesla, Google, Sunrun, Carrier, Renew Home, Rewiring America and several energy technology firms. PG&E plans to use connected household devices to reduce electricity demand during periods of heavy grid use.
The utility will combine home batteries, smart devices, and battery-enabled heat pumps through a coordinated energy network. These devices can shift electricity consumption when demand rises and reduce pressure on existing grid infrastructure. PG&E expects the system to create additional capacity while supporting reliability across selected Bay Area communities.
Google will fully fund customer incentives, technology deployment, and program delivery under the current proof-of-concept structure. Meanwhile, PG&E will handle system planning, performance analysis, and validation throughout the program. Demand Side Analytics will help coordinate the distributed resources and manage their contribution to the regional transmission system.
Tesla and Sunrun Devices Add Flexible Grid Capacity
PG&E plans to enroll nearly 21,000 existing flexible energy devices through partnerships with Tesla, Sunrun, and Renew Home. The companies will connect qualifying household equipment so PG&E can manage demand during high-use periods. Participating households can also receive rewards for allowing their devices to provide grid flexibility.
The utility expects the enrolled equipment to begin supporting the electric grid as early as fall 2026. These resources could reduce peak electricity demand without requiring immediate expansion of every local grid asset. The approach also allows customers to use existing home technology while improving regional electricity management.
Carrier will provide battery-enabled heat pumps for new residential deployments under the SHARE program. The equipment can store energy and adjust electricity use while maintaining household heating and cooling. PG&E expects these systems to provide additional flexibility during periods when regional electricity demand reaches higher levels.
PG&E Targets Santa Clara and Alameda Counties
Eligible households in Santa Clara and Alameda counties will receive access to the initial new equipment deployments. Participants may receive high-efficiency Carrier heat pumps equipped with battery-enabled energy management technology. PG&E expects the upgrades to lower energy costs while improving household comfort and resilience.
Rewiring America will work directly with households and local installers during equipment deployment and program enrollment. The group will help residents adopt electric technologies that can operate as flexible grid resources. It will also coordinate installation standards to support consistent performance across participating properties.
Electricity demand continues rising as businesses, vehicles, homes, and buildings rely more heavily on electric power. PG&E already plans transmission and distribution investments to support longer-term electricity growth across its service territory. SHARE adds a near-term option by using flexible household equipment alongside traditional grid infrastructure.
SHARE Program Could Expand Beyond Residential Customers
PG&E designed SHARE as a location-based model for areas facing transmission constraints and growing electricity demand. The utility will test whether household technologies can provide dependable capacity before major infrastructure projects reach completion. The results could influence future grid planning across California and other electricity markets.
The program could later expand into commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications if the initial model delivers expected results. Such expansion could improve grid use while supporting economic growth and reducing pressure during peak demand periods. PG&E will evaluate customer impacts, operating performance, and longer-term benefits before considering broader deployment.
PG&E and Rewiring America will begin contacting eligible customers during fall 2026. The SHARE proof of concept will continue through 2027 across the selected communities. PG&E expects to release initial program findings in late 2026 or early 2027.
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