What is the story about?
What's Happening?
RMI, in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), Alliance for Transportation Electrification (ATE), and ten Clean Cities and Communities partners, has created a roadmap to streamline electric service connections for small electric vehicle (EV) customers. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by small fleet operators and residents of multi-family housing in connecting to the electric grid. The roadmap provides actionable solutions informed by real-world customer and utility experiences, aiming to reduce delays and unexpected costs associated with EV charging infrastructure. The roadmap outlines roles for utilities, cities, and regulators to ensure no customer is left behind in the transition to electric transportation.
Why It's Important?
The development of this roadmap is significant as it addresses the unique challenges faced by smaller EV customers, such as apartment building owners and local businesses, in accessing charging infrastructure. These groups often encounter delays and high costs, which can hinder electrification efforts and limit access to clean transportation options. By streamlining service connections and providing support, the roadmap aims to make electrification more accessible, thereby promoting wider adoption of EVs. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that all communities, regardless of size or income, can participate in the EV revolution, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
What's Next?
The roadmap suggests several next steps, including hosting webinars, sharing information online, offering translation services, and developing standardized templates to assist small customers. Utilities are encouraged to collaborate with local governments and industry to improve processes and transparency. Additionally, partnerships with vocational schools and community colleges are recommended to develop a skilled workforce for EV infrastructure installation and maintenance. These measures aim to reduce administrative barriers and cultivate a local workforce ready to support growing EV infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition to electric transportation for all.
Beyond the Headlines
The roadmap not only addresses immediate challenges but also highlights the importance of sustaining customer relationships after energization. This includes conducting post-energization follow-ups to ensure service continuity and encourage participation in managed charging programs. By maintaining these relationships, utilities can identify areas for improvement and support continuous development in EV infrastructure. This approach underscores the commitment to making the EV future accessible and equitable for all communities.
AI Generated Content
Do you find this article useful?
