# Are plug-in DERs going to spark a grid revolution?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/volts-3501275/are-plug-in-ders-going-to-spark-a-grid-revolution
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/volts-3501275/are-plug-in-ders-going-to-spark-a-grid-revolution.md
Podcast: [Volts](https://stenobird.com/podcast/volts-3501275)
Published: 2026-06-03T16:02:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.volts.wtf/p/are-plug-in-ders-going-to-spark-a
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/199278095/1fde91b090825bf836faf5f4ddfec280.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/volts-3501275/episodes/are-plug-in-ders-going-to-spark-a-grid-revolution
Duration seconds: 4427

## Resource

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe In the US, clean energy tends to get bogged down in red tape, but there’s one category that you can install immediately, with no one’s permission, because it plugs right into your wall outlet. This week, I chat with James McGinniss of David Energy about plug-in DERs — specifically, small batteries that commercial tenants can install without permits or landlord sign-offs. We explore the economics behind these micro-projects, look at how they aggregate into virtual power plants, and break down why this hyper-local approach could eventually outcompete massive utility infrastructure.

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## Transcript

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