Can virtual power plants promote energy transformation—Empirical test based on pilot provinces

China’s energy transformation is at a critical stage, and virtual power plants are also in full swing. It is of great theoretical value and practical significance to identify whether virtual power plants can promote energy transformation. First, the concept of virtual power plant and energy transformation is defined, and the theoretical logic of interaction between virtual power plant and energy transformation is expounded. Then, the attribute model of the energy transition index is constructed from the attributes of energy system performance and energy transition maturity, and a double difference model is established. Finally, nine pilot provinces are taken as examples for empirical testing, and the results show that the implementation of virtual power plant pilot can promote energy transformation, but there are differences among provinces. The resource endowment and the degree of marketization and openness will have a differentiated effect on the promotion of energy transformation by virtual power plants.