More Power To You

Electric Vehicles (EVs) represent the largest new source of electric load since the air conditioner was invented. They also represent new, flexible sources of distributed energy resources (DERs) that can put power back into the grid. In this episode we delve into these challenges and opportunities with Erika Myers, Director of Research at SEPA, the Smart Electric Power Alliance. Erika authored a recent report titled Utilities and Electric Vehicles: The Case for Managed Charging which serves as the basis for our conversation. We begin by defining the term "managed charging" and continue with a discussion about why SEPA decided to research the issue; what questions Erika had when she began the research, and what findings surprised her. Erika summarizes three pilot programs involving both utilities and OEM manufacturers; shares some of the findings from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)'s look at the impact of different EV adoption scenarios; and describes some of the complex barriers to achieving