Shizen Connect Inc. (*1), the market leader in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platforms that integrate and manage distributed energy resources, announces that its 'Device-Control DR Support Service' (*2, hereinafter 'the Service') has been adopted by Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (*3, hereinafter 'Tokyo Gas') as the control system for heat pump water heaters (*4, hereinafter 'Eco Cute') in its 'Eco Cute Network Service'. This adoption (*5) enables compliance with Tokyo Metropolitan Government's demand response (DR) subsidy requirements for Eco Cute systems. ■ Background: The Need for Eco Cute-Based Demand Response (DR) Strengthening energy security to protect lives from geopolitical risks such as those involving Iran, and achieving decarbonization to mitigate global warming, are urgent challenges. Both require reducing excessive dependence on fossil fuels in electricity supply systems. One key solution lies in expanding solar power generation. However, frequent 'output control' measures during peak daylight generation hours have become a major issue, suppressing renewable energy output and hindering solar adoption by reducing revenue for generators. To address this, Demand Response (DR), which utilizes household energy resources such as home batteries and Eco Cute systems, is gaining attention as a means to effectively use generated electricity and simultaneously achieve energy security and decarbonization. In the 'Seventh Strategic Energy Plan' approved by the Cabinet in February 2025, DR was positioned as a crucial demand-side approach for ensuring supply-demand balance (*6). In response, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, with Cool Net Tokyo as the implementing body, is supporting the deployment of household energy resources eligible for DR through its 'Home Aggregation Business Implementation Project' (*7). Shizen Connect launched the Service in May 2023. The Service is now adopted by retail electricity providers representing a combined 38% market share (Table 1). It has been