Itron and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) are shaking things up in the realm of electric vehicle (EV) charging, and it’s about time. With the increasing push towards electrification, the need for accessible and affordable EV charging solutions has never been more pressing. The collaboration announced on November 13 aims to tackle the barriers that many customers face when trying to charge their EVs at home, particularly the hefty costs associated with upgrading electric panels.
Mike Delaney, PG&E’s vice president of Utility Partnerships and Innovation, hit the nail on the head when he said, “In collaboration with Itron and our EV solution providers, PG&E is working to give more of our customers access to faster charging at home through a safe and affordable alternative to panel and service upgrades.” This is music to the ears of EV owners and potential buyers alike, especially since about half of the homes in PG&E’s service area are stuck with 100-amp service. Upgrading to a 200-amp service, which is typically required for a Level 2 EV charger, can cost thousands and take months—definitely not a welcoming prospect for anyone looking to go electric.
The EV Connect program is where the real magic happens. Unlike conventional cloud-based systems that only check in a couple of times a day, this program leverages distributed intelligence (DI) edge computing directly at the customer’s electric meter. This nifty tech connects to the EV charger and keeps the charging within the limits of the customer’s electric panel and the utility grid. In simpler terms, it allows customers to enjoy the benefits of faster charging without the financial strain of service upgrades. Imagine being able to fill up your all-electric vehicle overnight at home, without breaking the bank—that’s a game changer.
Don Reeves, senior vice president of Outcomes at Itron, emphasized the broader implications of this initiative, stating, “This is just one example of the possibilities for distributed energy resource management enabled by Itron’s technology platform.” The potential for this technology extends beyond just EVs; it can help manage demand from various sources like thermostats, water heaters, and even solar panels. This kind of grid-edge intelligence could redefine how we think about energy consumption and management.
The pilot program will kick off with up to 1,000 residential customers who are currently grappling with panel or service limitations. By swapping out existing SmartMeters for Itron Riva meters, these customers will be able to install and utilize Level 2 chargers without the usual headaches. The timeline is set for an early 2025 launch, with hopes for broader availability later that year.
As the world leans more heavily into electrification, initiatives like this could pave the way for a more sustainable future. If successful, PG&E might just set a precedent that encourages other utilities to follow suit, making EV adoption not only easier but also more appealing to the average consumer. In a sector that often feels bogged down by red tape and cost barriers, this collaboration could very well signal a turning point. The future of EV charging is looking a lot brighter, and it’s partnerships like these that will drive the momentum forward.
