What do WA consumers think about participating in virtual power plants?

This study investigates the motivations and barriers influencing participation in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) among residents of Western Australia, through Project Jupiter. A self-administered online survey was distributed to Synergy household customers, yielding 1,352 responses. Findings reveal that nearly 50% of participants do not own a household battery, primarily due to high purchase and installation costs. From the sample, 47% of respondents expressed strong interest to extremely strong interest in VPP participation driven by environmental concerns and potential cost savings. Over 25% remained uncertain, citing a lack of information, unclear benefits, and limited understanding. Qualitative responses from open-ended questions in the survey highlighted key barriers, including cost implications, doubts about cost-benefit outcomes, desire for energy self-sufficiency, concerns over external battery control and safety, and environmental issues related to battery recycling. Importantly, issues of equity emerged, particularly in relation to housing tenure, where renters face limited access to DER assets and VPP participation opportunities. By combining quantitative and qualitative insights, this research provides a nuanced understanding of consumer attitudes towards VPPs. The findings can inform the development of inclusive participation models, address existing knowledge gaps, and promote active participation in decentralised energy systems, contributing to broader sustainability and energy transition goals.