I’m excited to announce that today @openmarkets.bsky.social and Mission:data are jointly releasing a new report co-authored by Michael Murray, Sandeep Vaheesan, Katherine Wyszkowski, and myself. A Thread and links below. www.openmarketsinstitute.org/publications...

In our report, we discuss that the exploding cost of electricity – due in part to voracious appetite of tech giant data centers – can be off-set by the usage of what are known as virtual power plants (VPPs).

VPPs are internet connected devices that can automatically turn off and on Wi-Fi-connected appliances to modify the electrical load on the power grid.

The problem is that investor-owned utilities (IOUs), however, are impeding the growth of VPPs through assorted illicit and potentially unlawful means.

Our paper discusses how the antitrust laws can challenge specific methods of competition deployed by IOUs (such as refusals to deal and tying arrangements) and help ensure that there is an open and vibrant marketplace so that VPPs can thrive and survive.