Virtual power plants (VPPs), even those created by utilizing lower-tech assets such as water-heater timers and smart thermostats, play a pivotal role in addressing challenges posed by intermittent renewable energy generation, bi-directional power flow, and increased electrification. Recognizing the limitations of traditional Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) and Distribution System Planning (DSP), this presentation introduces Integrated System Planning (ISP) as the next evolutionary step to help identify cost-effective VPPs that otherwise cannot be identified with more traditional planning approaches. Specifically, the presentation will explain how ISP allows utilities to more accurately determine trade-offs between traditional investments and distributed system investments (i.e., VPPs), as well as how VPPs have benefits beyond capacity that should be included when assessing their cost against traditional solutions.