#United States #North Carolina #WeaveGrid #EVConnectNC

North Carolina's EVConnectNC Initiative

North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives have taken a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency of electric vehicle (EV) charging with the launch of EVConnectNC. This innovative program, developed in collaboration with WeaveGrid, aims to maximize charging during off-peak hours, ultimately benefiting both the cooperatives and their members.

Rising Demand for Electric Vehicles

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in electric vehicle registrations in North Carolina. From May 2021 to May 2026, EV registrations soared by 570%. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the state now boasts a remarkable 581 electric vehicles per 10,000 residents, placing it second only to New Hampshire nationally. This surge in EV ownership creates new challenges for electric cooperatives, particularly in rural and suburban areas where infrastructure may not be adequately prepared for the increasing demand.

Incentives for Off-Peak Charging

The EVConnectNC program aims to address this challenge by incentivizing cooperative members to charge their vehicles during periods of lower demand and reduced power costs. Members who participate can earn up to $120 per year by charging their electric vehicles at least 90% off-peak and consuming a minimum of 200 kWh each month. This structure not only encourages off-peak charging but also helps cooperatives manage the growing demand for electricity more efficiently.

Eligible vehicle brands for the program include popular names like Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Jeep, Lexus, Tesla, and Toyota. Furthermore, members using home chargers from ChargePoint, Emporia, or Wallbox can participate without needing to invest in new equipment, making the initiative accessible to a wider audience.

How the Program Works

EVConnectNC harnesses connected vehicle and charger data to provide cooperatives with insights into charging patterns. This data allows them to effectively encourage members to shift their charging habits into off-peak periods, ultimately reducing the strain on the electric grid. The program has already started operationalizing with two North Carolina cooperatives, Roanoke Electric Cooperative and South River EMC. Members are registering and receiving incentives, affirming the program's immediate impact.

Commitment to Member Benefits

North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives emphasize their commitment to providing value to their members, stating that this initiative reflects their long-standing tradition of embracing innovative solutions. As Nikki Lynberg, Manager of Innovation and Business Development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, pointed out, “This program gives EV-driving members a straightforward way to save on charging costs while assisting cooperatives in managing energy use effectively.” It demonstrates a collaborative effort to support affordability and reliability for all members of the cooperatives.

Benefits for Cooperatives

The implementation of EVConnectNC not only benefits individual members but also empowers cooperatives to gain critical visibility into how EV charging impacts their systems. With this program, cooperatives can effectively anticipate future demand, control costs, and manage grid impacts, aligning with their broader Brighter Future Vision—one that emphasizes new energy solutions, improved reliability, and sustained value for their communities.

Apoorv Bhargava, CEO and Co-Founder of WeaveGrid, highlighted the significance of this initiative for cooperatives, noting the vast potential they have in the rapidly growing EV market. With over 40 million Americans served by cooperatives, there is significant, largely untapped potential for managed charging programs.

Conclusion

As North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives usher in EVConnectNC, they illustrate how managed charging systems can serve as a practical solution for managing the rising demand for electric vehicles. By integrating technology and data-driven insights with community needs, this program sets a precedent for other utilities across the nation and underscores the cooperative’s commitment to a sustainable, electrified future.

For more information on this exciting initiative, visit WeaveGrid and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.