Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) and Optiwatt, a charging software platform, announced the expansion of their electric vehicle pilot that works to align charging times with grid demands.
San Francisco-based Optiwatt and DEC are extending their partnership due to the success of the first round which began on May 1 and ended on Sept. 30.
The partnership invites EV owner members of the co-op to participate in the Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Pilot, which monitors, automates, and manages customers’ EV charging needs in balance with grid demands. Users get a one-time $100 reward per vehicle after sign-up, as well as an ongoing $5 monthly billing credit during the summer. The credit is paid directly by DEC.
It’s part of DEC’s Beat the Peak program which has lowered electric bills for the member-owned power provider based in Greenwood that serves portions of Kent and Sussex counties. Utilities pay higher prices for the additional electricity needed to meet peak demand.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with DEC,” Optiwatt founder and CEO Casey Donahue said. “The first round of studies we conducted went extremely well, so we’re looking forward to conducting a follow up and getting even more of the Delaware community involved. In a time when electric vehicles are more prominent than ever, research like this is hugely important to the further development of the industry.”
Despite issues with charging stations, added costs, battery range and a slowdown in sales, electric vehicles now account for about 10% of vehicle sales nationally.
To enroll, participants can download the free Optiwatt app iOS, Android and web,from the Google Play or Apple App store, or visit the managed charging page on delaware.coop. The application will automatically enroll eligible participants in the program thereafter.
“Optiwatt is playing an important role in our Cooperative’s efforts to lower demand costs for our 115,000 members,” DEC Manager of Energy Service Lucas Zlock said. “While the program started as a pilot program this summer, more than 100 members have already enrolled. Their participation means we now have an additional 750 kW of shiftable load which could reduce demand costs for our members by tens of thousands of dollars per year. In 2024, we expect to more broadly market the program with a goal of doubling participation.”
To view frequently asked questions on the partnership and enrollment details, those interested can visit https://optiwatt.com/faq/dec for more information.
