Controversy and drama have surrounded California utilities like Pacific Gas & Electric and others as wild fires are as pervasive as ever. The role of the utility in mitigating future damage and destruction from bone dry conditions and relentless winds remains under scrutiny. But behind the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) which may be necessary evil to prevent future tragedies are other energy efficiency initiatives that utilities tinker with for years. Some of us will be the beneficiaries of these programs in the not too distant future. PG&E's managed charging initiative is about managing the rate and timing of energy delivered both two and from electric vehicles so they can become a grid asset while providing drivers with a charged vehicle when they need it. Some key facts about PG&E's BMW iChargeForward program, whereby drivers receive price signals incentivizing intelligent charging behavior include:

Phase 1 Rollout:

-Dedicated to demand response and load curtailment

-Customer willingness to participate in EV load management

-Day ahead (24 hours) and real time (4 minutes ahead) pricing signals

Phase 2 Rollout:

-Maximizing renewable energy intake while manage the customer bill

-Load curtailment and load increase services

-Day ahead (24 hours) and real time (4 minutes ahead) pricing signals

Results:

-The vehicle pool contributed to 20% of the target kW reduction on average

-90% of participants in the pilot were satisfied and willing to recommend the program to friends and family.

More information on the program below: