New PG&E Innovative Service Speeds Up EV Charger and Battery Connections to the Grid

PG&E's New Service for EV Connects

As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity in California, the demand for charging infrastructure has surged. Recognizing this need, Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE) has launched a new service, the Flexible Service Connection (Flex Connect), which allows customers like EV fleets and charging stations to connect to the grid more rapidly without waiting for lengthy infrastructure upgrades.

Addressing California's Charging Needs

With over 6,300 EV charging ports already installed across Northern and Central California, PGE aims to streamline the charging experience for both individual and commercial customers transitioning to electric solutions. The increasing number of EVs on the road requires a robust network of chargers, and PGE’s innovative service directly responds to this growing challenge.

How Flex Connect Works

Flex Connect leverages PGE's cloud-based Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) to manage energy demand in real-time. By coordinating power supplies with user demands, it enables a swifter connection process. This system allows sites to establish connections quickly while PGE continues to work on long-term infrastructure enhancements. Mike Delaney, PGE's Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation, emphasizes the customized solutions that cater to immediate customer needs, promoting innovative partnerships with industry leaders like Microsoft and Schneider Electric.

Real-World Impact of Flex Connect

PGE has successfully implemented the Flex Connect service at several sites, including new Tesla Supercharger locations and PepsiCo’s electric semi-truck fleet facilities. Tesla’s new Supercharger sites took advantage of the service to connect more efficiently, receiving a power supply estimate based on the previous day’s grid availability. This strategic flexibility allows Tesla to access the necessary power almost continuously while waiting for eventual grid capacity upgrades.

For instance, PepsiCo transitioned its bottling facility in Fresno, CA, which previously faced capacity constraints, to utilize Flex Connect. This upgrade enabled the site to charge up to 50 trucks instead of the previously limited 30, accelerating its sustainability goals and reducing carbon emissions significantly.

Future Plans and Collaborations

PGE is not stopping at Flex Connect. The company has broader plans to enhance infrastructure further, including supporting Revel, an electric mobility company, as it expands its network of EV chargers on the West Coast. PGE’s commitment to sustainability extends as they help commercial customers transition to electric vehicles through comprehensive programs that simplify the installation and management of charging infrastructure.

By 2025, PGE anticipates expanding DERMS to encompass additional load management initiatives, setting the stage for a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape. With major project developments and innovative solutions underway, PGE is paving the way for California's electrification future.

Conclusion

The launch of PGE's Flexible Service Connection shows how innovative technology can revolutionize the integration of renewable energy sources with existing infrastructure. As demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, PGE’s proactive approach positions it as a leader in the charge towards a sustainable future, facilitating not just connections but a transformation in energy management and consumption across the state.