Google’s Nest Renew service is leaving Google and merging with the OhmConnect energy management platform to form a new company called Renew Home. Venture capitalist firm Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP), which backs OhmConnect and is putting $100 million into the new company, announced the move, saying it will create “the country’s largest energy transition resource.” Nest Renew and OhmConnect both help smart home users leverage connected devices to take advantage of cheaper power when it's available. Launched in 2021, Nest Renew is a service for Google Nest Thermostat users that lets them shift the energy use of their HVAC systems to save money. In a statement to The Verge, Google spokesperson confirmed the news, saying that current Nest Renew customers will not be disrupted: “Renew Home will power the Nest Renew service going forward, and we expect customers to have a seamless experience, plus improved experiences and offerings over time.” Virtual power plants use software to coordinate groups of smart homes that can provide energy to the grid when needed and reduce grid demand by dynamically adjusting smart thermostats or turning off connected appliances.