National Grid's Electric Vehicle Program Exceeds Projections in New York State

National Grid, a company operating under the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, has made significant progress in its Electric Vehicle (EV) Program, aimed at deploying EV charging infrastructure across New York State. According to a response to a request for information from the Sierra Club, the program has seen a substantial increase in the deployment of EV charging ports, exceeding its original projections. The program has also developed valuable relationships with trade allies, who have played a crucial role in the success of the initiative.

Key Takeaways:

• The EVCS program has exceeded its projections, with 44 sites activated and 329 activated ports against a projected 30 sites and 300 ports, respectively.
• The program has a strong pipeline of 80 projects in-flight and a waitlist of 25 additional projects for future charging station development.
• The EVCS program has cultivated a strong relationship with trade allies, who have helped deliver more than two-thirds of site hosts through the trade ally network.
• The program has been well-received by site hosts and contractors, who have praised its implementation and success.
• The program has also led to the development of valuable lessons and best practices, which will be published in the first half of 2021.
• National Grid's Phase 1 EV Make-Ready Program has seen significant deployment of EV charging infrastructure since its approval in the 2017 Niagara Mohawk Rate Case.
• The program originally projected deploying 300 ports in three years but exceeded that goal approximately one year early.
• The evaluation team has completed the first phase of the evaluation, and the full evaluation is scheduled to be published in the first half of 2021.

Statistics:

• 44 sites have activated stations through the program, exceeding the program's projection of 30 sites.
• 329 activated ports have been deployed, surpassing the program's projection of 300 ports.
• 80 projects are currently in-flight, and a waitlist of 25 additional projects is available for future charging station development.
• More than two-thirds of site hosts have been delivered through the trade ally network.

Sources:

• Request for Information, FROM: Sierra Club, Josh Berman, October 23, 2020
• Response to Request for Information, Rachel Flynn-Kasuba, November 2, 2020
• Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, d/b/a NATIONAL GRID, Case Nos. 20-E-0380 and 20-G-0381, Electric and Gas Rates.