CFC Issue Brief Explores EV Planning and Load Management

CFC’s newly published Issue Brief, “Planning for and Managing Electric Vehicle (EV) Loads,” reviews different approaches electric cooperatives are taking to most effectively plan for and manage EV loads to maximize benefits, mitigate risks and meet strategic objectives.

A key theme of the publication is that the growing EV market creates both opportunities and risks for the electric utility industry, and electric cooperatives can best position themselves by being proactive and planning accordingly.

Co-ops Use Data Analytics To Enhance EV Services

Some cooperatives, such as Colorado-based Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA), are utilizing the power of data analytics to enhance their EV service offerings. PVREA uses advanced metering infrastructure data to identify different energy characteristics of its members, such as the unique signature of Level 2 EV charging loads. From there, the cooperative examines member usage metrics with each EV owner and provides recommendations about EV service offerings.

The publication also highlights several electric cooperatives that are using incentives to help promote EV adoption and charger installations. Minnesota-based Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative offers members a $500 rebate for the installation cost of an EV charger. To qualify, the member must agree to enroll in one of Todd-Wadena’s two EV rate options: 1) a storage rate with a low-cost kWh charge that allows charging only within a limited window; or 2) a time-of-use (TOU) rate that allows charging any time but with varying prices depending on the time and amount of energy used. The program helps Todd-Wadena achieve equitable cost recovery from members while incentivizing them to purchase an EV and contribute to beneficial electrification.

Chugach Electric Association in Alaska offers rebates to commercial members that agree to install, own, make available and pay for the EV charging facilities. Sioux Valley Energy, a distribution cooperative serving portions of South Dakota and Minnesota, offers a rebate on public EV charger installations to its commercial and industrial members, while Vermont Electric Cooperative offers a similar program to businesses and public entities such as schools and municipalities that install Level 2 or Level 3 public charging stations.

New Rate Options Can Provide Members Clear Price Signals

Other cooperatives are introducing new rate options to send clear price signals to mutually benefit members and the system. For example, Georgia-based Cobb Electric Membership Corporation worked with CFC on an updated rate design process that resulted in the Lifestyle Rate program, which includes the NiteFlex option for EV owners–a three-period TOU rate that incentivizes members to charge their EVs during super off-peak hours by providing up to 400 kWh of electricity free of charge. North Carolina-based Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation, in consultation with CFC, designed a subscription-rate program where EV owners pay a $50-per-month subscription charge for up to 450 kWh of electricity supplied during off-peak hours.

The publication also highlights North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives’ initiative to help its distribution members promote EV adoption via a wealth of education resources, including NCDriveElectric.com, a customizable website providing tailored content such as savings calculators, local rates and other incentives for each of the state’s 26 member distribution cooperatives.

To read more about these and other examples, download “Planning for and Managing Electric Vehicle Loads.”