The ABCs of EVs
A Guide for Policy Makers and Consumer Advocates
Marty Cohen
June 6, 2017
NASUCA
EVs? When – Not If
Project
Goals
Fortuitous Circumstances
Opportunities/Challenges
Proactive Approach
Align customer,
utility &
environmental
interests where
possible
Customer
against
customer
Ways to
Make
Progress
Haves
against
have-nots
Avoid
Pitting:
Enviros
against
consumers
Utilities
against all
Initiate
collaborative
stakeholder
process
Each state will be challenged to maximize net benefits of
EVs, based on its own:
No OneSizeFits-All
Solution
•
•
•
•
Supply & demand characteristics
Installed network technology
Market structure
Regulatory framework, statutes, social/enviro goals
IL: Cheap
overnight energy.
CA: Duck
Curve.
• Maintain regulatory
oversight of any customerfunded or public investment
in EV infrastructure.
Effective
EV
initiatives
will:
• Adopt optional dynamic and
time-based rates to
incentivize systembeneficial charging
behaviors;
• Maximize consumer and
social value by employing
smart EV dispatch to
optimize system load
shapes;
• Promote interoperability,
common standards, and
open networks for EV
infrastructure;
• Ensure that EV policies
benefit underserved/
disadvantaged
communities;
• Subject any proposed utility
investments to cost-benefit
tests, performance
standards, and compatibility
with comprehensive
strategic plans designed to
maximize grid value and
customer benefit;
• Benefit from collaboration
among the diverse
community of EV
stakeholders;
Smart
Rates:
System
Benefits
Require
Smarts
Smart
Charging:
TOU
Aggregated
dispatch
RTP
Individual dispatch
Whole house or
separately
measured
Responsive to
system conditions
(eventually at
transformer level)
Many
Options
for Utility
EV
Support:
 Consumer Education (re: EVs, operating costs, rate options,
shadow billing, DR programs, incentive calcs, links to charge
databases, etc.)
 Customer Support (expedited/simplified permitting, aggregation
for charging programs, participation incentives)
 Charge Station Support (ID optimal locations, make-ready
infrastructure, bid out subsidies?)
Customer or public funding must be accompanied
by accountability and consumer protections.
Consumer
Advocacy
Principles:
Start with maximizing
value to the grid
Interoperability
Terms &
Conditions
Participation in
charge
management
Next steps
• Gather Feedback
• Data Analysis
• Scenario
Development