Driving the Future of EV Grid Planning

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, utilities must navigate both the challenges and opportunities that EV charging presents for the distribution system and renewable energy integration. A recent Department of Energy study found that managed charging and rate design could reduce distribution investment needs by 30% or more, while also helping to align EV load with renewable generation. By optimizing charging to match renewable availability, utilities can minimize curtailment, enhance grid stability, and support decarbonization goals. However, approaches to addressing these challenges vary across the industry. In this session, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) will moderate a panel discussion featuring Great River Energy, Xcel Energy, and WeaveGrid, exploring how different utilities and technology providers are studying, piloting, and scaling managed charging programs. Panelists will share real-world results from cooperative and investor-owned utility programs, discussing strategies for shifting EV load, optimizing grid benefits, and enhancing customer participation. Attendees will gain insights into how utilities can proactively manage EV growth while integrating renewables and ensuring a resilient and efficient distribution system.