Utility companies play a crucial role in driving the electric transition of the United States and the rest of the world. In fact, the US Department of Transportation says utilities are among the first partners that should be considered when installing an EV charging station. This is why Blink Charging is proud to support utility operators who are enabling EV adoption across the country. Here's what electrical utilities need to know about EV charging.
How Do Utility Providers Help EV Adoption?
There are three main ways that utility providers make EV charging and EV adoption easier for drivers.
Installing publicly accessible EV chargers
Utility companies have a unique advantage in making EV infrastructure widely available to drivers in a public setting. For example, the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), which consists of over 60 investor-owned and municipal electric companies and electric cooperatives, is to deploying public Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) to “support the growing number of EVs and to help ensure that the transition to EVs is seamless for drivers.”
The NEHC is an initiative of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), which represents investor-owned electric companies in the U.S. According to EEI, electric companies have invested more than $5.3 billion to date to deploy charging infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of electric transportation.
EEI estimates that 325,000 DCFCs will be required throughout the U.S. to support the 78.5 million EVs that are projected to be using American roads by 2035. Utilities can help bridge infrastructure gaps by deploying public and workplace charging stations in rural and low-income communities where private investment may be lacking, ensuring equitable access to EV adoption.
Designing EV-focused rates
Electric utility providers can offer discounted rates during off-peak hours, which can encourage EV adoption and optimize grid usage. Off-peak hours are times throughout the day and night when electricity usage is lower. By offering discounted electricity rates during these hours (typically evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays), utility providers can encourage EV drivers to charge during these periods when there is less demand being put on the grid. Additional alternatives to traditional demand-based rate structures for commercial electric vehicle charging are essential to mitigate high demand charges, which can result in unpredictable costs—particularly for businesses with irregular charging patterns.
California’s Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), for example, has Electric Vehicle Rate Plans for both residential and commercial customers that offer lower electricity prices during the hours when producing energy is cheapest for the utility.
Leading by example
Utilities can walk the walk by electrifying their fleets to showcase their commitment to energy independence, reducing fleet costs,and setting a powerful example for others to follow. As one study of New York City’s EV fleet found, switching to electric vehicles could save a fleet manager 75% in operational costs.
Many utilities have advisory programs that help commercial fleet operators with their transition to electric vehicles. Michigan’s Consumers Energy, for example, has the PowerMIFleet program which provides planning resources, expert guidance, and rebates to fleet operators looking to transition their fleets to electric vehicles. It even offers free fleet electrification assessments to qualified customers. National Grid, which serves Massachusetts, has the MA Fleet Advisory Services Program, which provides free, expert analysis to help fleet operators switch over to EVs and will even help customers find financial assistance with the transition.
In addition, utilities can accelerate adoption by offering a range of incentives that reduce both equipment costs and make-ready infrastructure expenses. Programs such as Pacific Gas & Electric’s Empower EV provide rebates covering up to 80% of installation costs, while DTE Energy’s Charging Forward Program offers $500 for Level 2 charger installations paired with time-of-use rate incentives. Utilities also support make-ready infrastructure, as seen in PSE&G’s Residential Charging Program, which provides bill credits up to $1,500 for panel upgrades and up to $5,000 for utility service upgrades necessary for new EV chargers. Additionally, initiatives like SCE’s Charge Ready Program help commercial and multi-unit properties install chargers by offsetting infrastructure costs. These incentives not only lower the financial barriers to EV charging but also encourage grid-friendly charging behavior, ensuring a smoother transition to widespread EV adoption.
How Blink Works with Utilities
As a leading EV charging company, Blink works closely with utilities to make it easier for site hosts to install EV charging stations. These are some of the ways Blink does that.
BAA compliance
The Blink Charging Series 7 (ISO), Series 8 (ISO), and Series 9 (40kW) are made in the U.S.A., meaning they are compliant with the Buy America Act.
Customization
We know each and every EV charging project is different, so we offer fully customizable and easily scalable EV charging solutions.
Easy ordering
Thanks to Blink Charging’s Sourcewell contract, ordering EV charging equipment has never been easier. Instead of spending valuable time and money on requests for proposals (RFPs), utilities and site hosts can save time and money by ordering through our Sourcewell procurement contract.
Simplified solutions
Our comprehensive approach to EV charging simplifies the entire process, from equipment to installation to operations and administration, making future expansion easy.
Maintenance plans
Our maintenance plans ensure your EV charging stations are always functioning at peak performance.
24/7 support
Blink’s 24/7 customer support is here for you, any time day or night.
Flexible financing and business models
We have multiple business models to choose from to fit any budget and any EV charging needs. Choose from our flexible Host Owned, Host Owned Finance, or Blink Hybrid business models (see below).
Increased revenue
With Blink’s end-to-end solutions, public EV charging can become a new revenue stream for utilities and other site hosts.
Blink Network
Blink's Level 2 and DC fast charging stations are connected to the Blink Network, our proprietary, cloud-based software that operates, manages, tracks, and monitors all Blink charging stations. With the Blink mobile app, hosts and EV drivers get a real-time view of the EV station status at all locations, pricing, and availability.
In addition to free charging, hosts can also customize pricing via the Blink Network to collect fees for the amount of electricity used, the amount of time spent plugged in, or a combination of both. Site hosts can even create user groups with unique pricing policies, such as free charging for employees and paid charging for public users.
Fleet operators get access to Blink Fleet Management, connected to the Blink Network portal, which gives fleet managers even more insight and control over all their charging stations at all their locations. Learn more about Blink Fleet Management.
Business Models
Blink has a bevy of business models to choose from. These include:
Host Owned
Perfect for service locations, the Host Owned business model is the right choice for those who want to be the owner and operator of their own EV charging stations.
Host Owned Finance
Our Host Owned Finance business model delivers the same level of control and ownership as our Host Owned model, while providing the ability to finance over a 12-60 month term.
Hybrid Owned
In this business model, the site host shares costs and revenue with Blink. This model allows you to provide EV charging to customers while Blink covers the cost of equipment, operations, and administration.
Conclusion
Electric utility providers play a crucial role in expanding the national EV charging network in the U.S. Blink is proud to help utilities provide made-in-the-U.S.A. equipment and expertise to help with this important endeavor. With flexible business models, fast and simple ordering from Sourcewell, and comprehensive support, Blink supports utilities with the right charger in the right place at the right time. Ready to get started? Please contact Blink Charging to speak with a Blink expert today.