Expanding Managed Charging Programs to Meet the Needs of New York's Electric Vehicle Market

Strategic Insights -

As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow in New York, the need for managed charging programs that cater to the diverse needs of different EV types and owners becomes increasingly important. In response to the New York State Public Service Commission's (PSC) directive to develop programs for active or managed charging, Advanced Energy Economy Institute and the Alliance for Clean Energy New York have submitted joint comments outlining the benefits and recommendations for expanding managed charging programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission's Make-Ready Infrastructure Order directs utilities to file proposals for active or managed charging programs for mass-market customers, but current proposals primarily focus on residential EV charging, neglecting other segments such as small commercial customers, medium- and heavy-duty commercial fleets, and multi-unit dwellings.
  • The proposed programs should be inclusive of small commercial businesses, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial fleets, and multi-unit dwellings to provide more comprehensive coverage of mass-market customers.
  • Managed charging programs tailored to light-, medium-, and heavy-duty fleets are recommended, as fleets have predictable charging patterns and sit idle for long periods, making them ideal for load shifting.
  • Workplace charging should be explored as a prime candidate for managed charging, and utilities should consider expanding managed charging opportunities to workplace charging.
  • Program design and timely assessment are crucial; utilities should evaluate customer response to existing programs, be prepared to develop new options, and take advantage of emerging technologies like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities.
  • Clear timeframes for review and improvement of these programs should be set by the Commission to ensure that the programs are continuously updated and refined.

Statistics:

  • 80% of EV charging currently occurs at home (Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Charging at Home)
  • 40% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels is committed by New York by 2030, and 85% by 2050 (Source: Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act)
  • 25 transit buses and 3 eCanter trucks were enrolled in Con Edison's SmartCharge New York Program as of December 4, 2020 (Source: Case No. 18-E-0138. Con Edison. EV Managed Charging Filing)

Sources:

  • Case 18-E-0138. Order Establishing a Utility-Supported EV Infrastructure Make-Ready Program. Filed July 16, 2020
  • New York State Register. July 14, 2021. Vol. XLIII. Issue 28
  • AEE is a national business association representing leading companies in the advanced energy industry (Source: AEE website)
  • ACE NY's mission is to promote the use of clean, renewable electricity technologies and energy efficiency in New York State (Source: ACE NY website)
  • Case No. 18-E-0138. Advanced Energy Economy Institute, Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Inc. Comments on Staff EVSE&I Whitepaper
  • U.S. Dept. of Energy, Charging at Home
  • N.Y. State Energy Planning Bd., The Energy to Lead: Biennial Report, p. 56