#United States #PG&E #Oakland #Electrification #SPAN

PG&E Teams Up with SPAN for Home Electrification

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has recently announced a significant partnership with SPAN, aimed at facilitating the adoption of electric technologies in homes across its service area. This initiative is crucial as it addresses the growing demand for electricity due to the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and other electric appliances. The centerpiece of this collaboration is the SPAN Edge solution, an innovative device that allows real-time load management at homes, making the transition to electrification smoother and more cost-effective.

Overcoming Barriers to Electrification

One of the most pressing challenges that homeowners face when transitioning to electric appliances or EVs is the high cost associated with upgrading their electric panels. Traditional upgrades can range anywhere from $6,000 to $40,000, not to mention the time implications, which can delay the adoption of cleaner technologies. The SPAN Edge device offers a groundbreaking solution to this issue by being installed directly at the electric meter, enabling homes to add electric appliances without the need for expensive panel upgrades.

Pioneering the PanelBoost Program

Through a new initiative known as the PanelBoost program, PG&E will introduce SPAN Edge devices alongside its advanced metering infrastructure. This program is expected to significantly reduce costs for customers looking to adopt high-efficiency electric technologies such as heat pumps and induction cooking systems. According to estimates, around 600,000 homes in PG&E's service area may require some form of electric service upgrade over the next decade, a demand that underscores the urgency for solutions like SPAN Edge.

Mike Delaney, Vice President of Strategy & Innovation at PG&E, emphasized the company’s commitment to making electrification accessible. “Our collaboration with SPAN is about enabling thousands of households to integrate electric appliances and EVs seamlessly while minimizing the financial burden,” he noted.

Enhancing Grid Reliability

The SPAN Edge technology employs a feature called Dynamic Service Rating™, allowing it to manage home energy demand, particularly during peak usage times. This capability not only helps to protect local electric transformers but also maintains overall grid reliability. The technology is part of a broader strategy by PG&E to innovate at the grid's edge, aligning with California's ambitious clean energy goals.

Feedback from Electricians and Installers

The early feedback from electricians and installers who participated in test sessions for the PanelBoost program has been overwhelmingly positive. Many pointed out that SPAN Edge can effectively simulate the capabilities of a 200-amp panel by managing the energy loads in household systems. As such, homeowners are given a viable alternative to conventional service upgrades, which many have expressed they would have preferred before opting for traditional upgrade routes.

Learning from Past Programs

The launch of SPAN Edge builds on lessons learned from PG&E’s successful Seasonal Aggregation of Versatile Energy (SAVE) program, which highlighted the benefits that come from aggregating residential distributed energy resources. With the expected growth in California’s energy demand due to transportation and building electrification, PanelBoost is positioned as a proactive solution to facilitate this transition while keeping costs low for consumers.

Affordable and Quick Installation

The installation of SPAN Edge devices is remarkably quick, taking place at the electric meter. Customers can expect installation costs to range from $500 to $2,000 depending on specific circumstances, a stark contrast to the prohibitive costs of traditional service upgrades. Retailing this solution under the PanelBoost initiative, PG&E will provide SPAN Edge devices at no upfront cost for the customer, who will only need to cover the electrician installation fees and any additional wiring for new appliances.

In summer 2026, PG&E plans to launch a dedicated website to provide more information about the SPAN Edge offerings, with plans to initially distribute the devices to thousands of customers.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Clean Energy

This collaboration between PG&E and SPAN represents a significant advancement in the quest for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. By removing the barriers associated with home electrification, these initiatives pave the way for more households to transition towards renewable energy technologies effectively, fostering a greener environment for generations to come.