What size of a frequency converter do I need? (4 methods to find out)

Frequency converter (FC) rating When determining the rating of a frequency converter at a given load the first step is to consider the load characteristics. There are four different methods for calculating the required output performance and the choice of method depends on the motor data. However, first lets start with the basics of motor []

Energy Intelligence Is Essential to Smarter Energy Use

Exactly what kind of energy system might a dog loverliving in a house built in the 1990s be likely to install?Tendrils Chris Black explains how energy intelligence opens the door for deep insight intopeople and how they live.

We citizens of the world must change the way we consume energy. Both the recent climate change agreement in Paris along with President Obamas last State of the Union address support the need for action. Undoubtedly, clean energys day has come, and we must use it in all of its forms from renewables, to aggressive energy efficiency programs, to connected homes that automate environmentally conscious power usage.

The Paris talks helped frame the worlds big energy goals, and from these goals will come more localized regulations that providers will have to meet. Couple these regulations with increased consumer demand for individualized products and services, and providers suddenly have to facilitate rapid, tangible change. But what exactly does this look like? Where do they start? The key to igniting this change is Energy Intelligence (EI).

What Is EI?

Data and analytics are the beating heart of EI. They have revolutionized the customer experience in other industries (travel, retail) and theyre primed to change everything about the way energy providers interact with their consumers as well. EI extends energy providers knowledge of people and the premises in which they live by aggregating hundreds of data points (more on those below) and applying the principles of behavioral science, data science, energy analytics, and physical science to generate individualized energy use profiles for every potential or existing customer. For example, owners of homes built in the 1990s with more than five years of residence and an enthusiasm for dogs may be more likely to install solar. By having this level of insight, energy providers can more effectively target and message solar offers, and thus double response rates and drive down the cost of customer acquisition.

Highly personalized energy services become possible when providers consider a multitude of criteria in their analysis, including billing histories, meter reads (if available), home structure, home type, heating and cooling configuration, home thermodynamics, local weather patterns, behavior within the home, preferred comfort settings, solar generation, and any other ways in which residents use energy or engage with energy products and services. Considering all of these data points gives nuanced, accurate profiles of consumers that include details on marketing preferences, optimal comfort settings, run times for major appliances, and the existence of solar panels or electric vehicles. From these personal profiles, energy providers can determine the best communication channels, messages, and content to boost customer participation and sustain long-term engagement.

Why Does EI Matter?

Armed with these EI-driven insights, energy providers can anticipate customer needs. Where applicable, they can offer new opportunities for energy efficiency products and services as well as access to renewables from which customers can choose the elements that best meet their needs.

EI will also inform the partnerships energy providers ideally need to form in order to become bundled service providers. Through partnerships, energy providers can offer the right thermostats, smart meters, solar panels, storage solutions, car chargerswhatever customers demandand make them available when customers need them. The process operates similarly to the recently announced partnership between the security company ADT and Nest: ADT partnered with Nest to add value to its app, through which customers manage their lights and locks. Now, they can manage their home temperature in the same place. Energy providers that build these types of partnerships and reach beyond their current in-house offerings will find themselves at the forefront of the new energy market.

EI for a Smart Energy Future

Using customizable big data analytics in near real-time allows energy providers to develop truly comprehensive approaches to achieving a low-carbon environment. With EI, energy providers can and will be the leaders of this clean energy charge, the on-the-ground actors empowering consumers to realize their big energy goals. We need these leaders now, as we continue to count the hottest years on record and seek to secure ourselves from damage from escalating severe weather. EI is the key to a smarter, more connected electrical grid that will power us past climate change and into a new energy-wise era. When energy providers invest in EI technology, they invest in the future both their own and everyone elses.

Chris Black is the chief operating officer and chief technology officer of Tendril.

Practical Considerations Of Transformer Inrush Current

Inrush current phenomenon When a transformer is initially connected to a source of AC voltage, there may be a substantial surge of current through the primary winding called inrush current. This is analogous to the inrush current exhibited by an electric motor that is started up by sudden connection to a power source, although transformer inrush [...]

Why modern buildings MUST have energy metering and monitoring system

Greater energy metering and efficiency The first step to greater efficiency through energy metering and monitoring is to set objectives for the future system. Ideally, users of the system are involved in this process, and are given an opportunity to provide input on the main features to be included in the system. This step is [...]

Honda Leads Members Calling For Renewable Energy Storage Investment Credits

Renewable energy allows American families and businesses to generate their own clean energy, and advances in energy storage will allow our nation to better harness this energy. However, one critical tax law may slow that process down.

That is why U.S. Rep. Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley, Calif.) was joined by a dozen of his colleagues, in a letter calling on Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and IRS Commissioner John Koskinen to allow those storage innovations the same tax credit that is available for clean energy generation.

Quick Energy Efficiency News...Where to Test Your Bright Ideas for Smart Cities...Pepco Energy Strikes Big Military Deal

Here's a chance to see what's ahead for smart cities when it comes to lighting. Powertech and Current have teamed to create an Intelligent Cities innovation lab at Powertech's research campus in British Columbia.

The lab will quickly prototype and validate of technologies for high-priority use cases. It will explore smart lighting, sensors, analytics and a real-time monitoring network. Researchers will test the latest connected municipal solutions and give city leaders a place to see and experience intelligent technologies firsthand.

Current, powered by GE, will be the first on display. It features software and sensor-enabled LED lighting powered by Predix, GE's cloud-based platform for the Industrial Internet. This is the kind of technology that takes the hassle out of parking. Networked LED street lights will have the ability to direct drivers to available spaces with the help of built-in sensors and wireless transceivers. The same street light could serve as a sensor and give warnings in the event of severe weather or other event or help manage traffic and offer residents a faster route home, according to the companies.

The lab will be located in Surry, a community already known for its energy smarts.

"As one of the top seven intelligent communities in the world as named by the Intelligent Communities Forum, Surrey has created a multifaceted program that will leverage a smart infrastructure to save energy and taxpayer dollars," says Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. "We believe that the Intelligent City Accelerator at Powertech Labs will help us go further in understanding how truly intelligent infrastructure can advance our sustainability goals, increase public safety and improve services to the public, and help accelerate intelligent visions in other communities as well."

***

Pepco Energy Services has won a 60-building, $80.4 million energy savings performance contract with the United States Navy at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL).

The deal includes a $42.4 million investment in new energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems.

The energy conservation measures include new LED technology, water conservation, building envelope improvements, 3,000 tons of new cooling capacity, 2.7 MW in solar hybrid systems, new HVAC systems, and retro-commissioning of HVAC systems, among others. In addition to improving 60 buildings, Pepco Energy services will work on a landfill and roadway lighting systems.

Upon completion of construction, the project is expected to generate about $4 million per year in guaranteed energy savings and $79.9 million during the 16.5-year performance period of the task order. Construction is expected to be completed over a two-year period during which time the project will provide another $1.8 million in guaranteed savings to the Navy.

The project also is expected to reduce energy usage at NSGL by 146,500 equivalent MMBtu per year. This is comparable to removing 1,600 cars from the road or planting 2,200 acres of trees.

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Feds, Corporate Conscience, and Youth Spur Boom in Energy Efficiency Finance

Toyota issued green bonds for a new Prius plant.

The energy efficiency finance market has come into its own, and is now characterizied by more than $100 billion in annual loan originations, according to a white paper released yesterday by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

"Since rebounding after the Great Recession, the energy efficiency finance market has expanded both in volume and in sophistication," says "Energy Efficiency Finance: A Market Reassessment" by Joel Freehling and Brian Stickles.

Capital is flowing most strongly to green and efficient buildings, hybrid and electric cars, Energy Star equipment, and the energy service companies (ESCOs), says the paper.

Green buildings are attracting by far the largest amount of investment, which the report estimated to be about $100 billion annually. The paper credits the federal government, corporate conscience, and the young.

The federal government led the way by establishing energy metrics for its buildings. Corporations contributed by establishing social responsibility goals, as has a belief by employers that younger workers favor green spaces, says the paper. A drop in green premiums also has helped.

Lenders have followed their clients, a process made easier as the premium on green construction fell to very modest levels.

But interestingly, being green isn't adding a lot to the market value of buildings. Not being, green, however seems to carry a penalty. ACEEE finds that lenders assign higher risk premiums to projects that do not achieve green certifications.

What's ahead for energy efficiency finance? ACEEE has its eye on the growing use of green bonds, not only by government, but also now by corporations. Toyota issued green bond debt to fund a new Prius plant. ACEEE also noted entities purchasing the bonds now include pension funds.

Like green building, green bonds may be creating risk for those who remain entrenched in the 'brown' world.

"Many believe that as investors' appetite for green bonds grows, bonds that lack an environmental purpose, or ones that in fact harm the environment, could face limited demand, which ultimately could impact their pricing. Thus green bonds may not be sold at a premium, but "brown" bonds could face worsening prices," says the paper.

Of course, energy efficiency capital isn't flowing easily to all. Certain segments are getting left out of the boom. These include: low-income households, multifamily properties, credit-challenged local governments and small commercial properties.

When it comes to finance for the small business market, it's more important to create a positive cash flow than offer low-cost capital. The paper suggests longer amortization periods, which will "in turn allow for more-comprehensive retrofits and raise the likelihood of cash flow-positive investments."

To support growth in energy efficiency finance the paper recommends:

• Forging further ties between the energy efficiency finance and community development fields and exploring which tools developed for the socially responsible market are best suited for efficiency


• Exploring how to better use commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for the owner-occupied small commercial market and facilitating conversations about how the Small Business Administration can help to support commercial PACE, while not undermining credit quality in the SBA portfolio


• Examining how to leverage existing government funds, such as in the Retrofit Ramp-Up program, to support underserved segments such as lower-rated states and municipalities


• Tapping the growing green bond market to add liquidity and new off-takers for efficiency loans

The ACEEE paper is available for free download.

Interested in microgrid finance? Register for the May 19 Microgrid Knowledge conference in Manhattan.

Parker Ships Record 113 Megawatts of Power Conversion Systems for Energy Storage During 2015

The Energy Grid Tie Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, realized shipments of energy storage power conversion systems (PCS) totaling 113 megawatts, bringing cumulative worldwide deployment to over 225 megawatts. The first megawatt-class system went on line in 2008. While the majority of the systems are connected to lithium ion batteries, many successfully linked flow batteries to the grid.

Don't Swap Wives; Swap Energy Management Teams

Swapping Energy Management Teams

If you swap energy management teams with another business, just what will you learn?

In this podcast (click on the player above), Maria Vargas, director of the Better Buildings Challenge, describes what Whole Foods and Hilton Worldwide learned when they swapped energy management teams in San Francisco.

The program is roughly modeled after "Wife Swap," a TV show in which families swap wives to learn how to be better parents.

You'd think that the respective teams would have energy efficiency covered, but lending a new set of eyes to the buildings led to unexpected discoveries. For example, the Hilton team discovered simple lighting changes that could yield impressive lighting savings for Whole Foods.

"Both organizations are doing a great job driving energy waste out of their holdings," said Vargas. "They've used high-efficient lights," for example, she said. One focus of discussion was using LEDs and daylighting.

Both teams found that focusing on "the human element" was crucial. For example, Hilton organizes weekly meetings with hundreds of housekeepers to discuss energy efficiency. And the business discussed how some employees disable energy-saving devices that are installed to automatically close walk-in refrigerator doors.

"The swap showed that no matter how great you are at something, you can still learn more," said Vargas in the interview. The companies also learned the importance of businesses sharing information with companies that are very different than theirs, as in the Hilton Worldwide and Whole Foods example.

DOE's Better Buildings Challenge director took part in the swap to offer advice, and the Better Buildings Challenge videotaped the event. The video footage will be released in DOE's first web series on YouTube.

The Better Buildings program aims to give commercial and industrial building owners the tools they need to reduce their energy usage by at least 20 percent within 10 years.

You can watch the opening SWAP video here

"By reducing building energy use by 20 percent in both the commercial and industrial sectors, organizations can save about $80 billion annually and avoid significant emissions of CO2. In addition to cost savings and avoided emissions, upgrading these buildings offers an almost $100 billion investment opportunity," said press materials from the challenge.

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Reactive Power and Compensation Solution Basics For Students

Why we don't like reactive power The total power, the so-called apparent power, of a transmission network is composed of active and reactive power (Figure 1). While the power consumers connected into supply transform the active power into active energy, the reactive energy pertaining to the reactive power is not consumed. The reactive power at [...]

NV Energy Wants More Efficiency, But Regulators Cut Programs

NV Energy wants more efficiency -- but regulators in Nevada are calling for less.

In this interview (see player above), Tom Polikalas, Nevada representative, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, describes the battle over energy efficiency now being played out in Nevada.

Last July, NV Energy said its residential lighting programs in southern Nevada were so popular-three times the utility's initial projections-that it wanted to add more money to the program mid-year. It also wanted to boost its LED lighting program between 2016-2018, but the program was eliminated by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission.

The commission in December cut the Residential Lighting program, which lowers the cost of LED lamps sold in retail stores, and the Pool Pumps program, which provides incentives for the installation of high- efficiency pool pumps. NV Energy in January petitioned the commission to reverse its decision on these programs.

"To its credit, NV Energy wanted to expand and increase its budget up to $60 million, but the commission decided to eliminate the LED lighting, refrigerator recycling and high-efficiency pool pump programs. We are dismayed by the direction the commission is going and encourage involvement in this type of decision making," he says in this podcast interview.

Why is the commission cutting energy efficiency? "It could be that the commission is penny wise and pound foolish and ignoring the savings on bills," he says. But just as important, the PUC is operating under guidelines that need to be improved.

The commission should consider a decoupling mechanism and other measures to provide incentives for utilities to invest in efficiency. These would also give the commission better guidelines for supporting efficiency.

"The Residential Lighting program is critical for stimulating the purchase of energy-efficient LED light bulbs, and it has proven to be very cost-effective and popular," said Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada's District One in a press release issued by the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project. "Utility program incentives have played and should continue to play an important role in helping my constituents in southern Nevada invest in new LED technology."

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When a 3-phase motor expirience phase failure, what a mess...

Phase failure // A phase failure is an interruption of a single conductor. The motor then continues running with two phases and can suffer damage. The cause is, for example, blown fuse. Small to medium sized motors are mostly stator critical - this means that only the stator can be damaged. It has to be [...]

Fastest Growing Energy Storage Conference Set for April 25-27 in Charlotte, NC

Washington - Feb. 12, 2016 - More than 2,000 energy storage professionals are expected to attend the Energy Storage Association's (ESA) 26th Annual Conference and Expo in Charlotte, NC, from April 25-27. The industry's fastest growing event, the ESA Conference - #ESACon16 - will bring together senior leadership from utilities, suppliers, project developers, financiers, and customers for three days of world-class speakers and workshops covering energy storage technology, policy, trends and market growth. The expo will also showcase energy storage innovations and services on its expansive trade show floor.

Arc Flash Hazard Calculation In 9 Steps Using IEEE 1584

Arc Flash Hazard - Safe practices The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) published the IEEE 1584 "Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations". It contains detailed methods and data that can be used to calculate arc flash hazards for the simplest to the most complex systems. IEEE spent many years developing these methods. [...]

5 Means Of Identifying Grounded Conductors (By NEC 200 Article)

Determining grounded conductors // NEC 200 Latest NEC requirements state at least five means of identifying grounded conductors. So, let's go through each of them // Sizes 6 AWG or smaller Sizes 4 AWG or larger Flexible cords Grounded conductors of different systems Grounded conductors of multiconductor cables 1. Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller An [...]

DC Testing Methods Conducted On Solid Insulation

DC Testing Methods // Let's take a look at the two important tests that are conducted with DC voltage. Two tests can be conducted on solid insulation using following DC testing methods // Insulation resistance testing High-potential (Hi-pot) voltage testing 1. Insulation Resistance Testing This test may be conducted at applied voltages of 100-15,000 V. [...]

Guidelines For Installing Power Transformers

Operation of power transformers // When your transformer arrives on site, various procedures should be carried out to assure successful operation (installation, testing and various checkings). The successful operation of a transformer is dependent on proper installation as well as on good design and manufacture. The instructions mentioned in the manufacturer manual or in Standards [...]

Case Western Reserve University to Lead Project on Energy Storage

Case Western Reserve University will lead a two-year energy storage research project, thanks to a $1.65 million grant from Ohio's Federal Research Network (FRN).

The goal of the project is to create energy storage resources for use in the defense and aerospace industries. Case said in a news release that the grant is part of a statewide effort "to stimulate economic development and jobs."

How electricans test continuity of protective conductors

Testing protective conductors For all protective conductors, including main and supplementary bonding conductors, electricians must perform continuity test using a low-reading ohmmeter. For main equipotential bonding, there is no single fixed value of resistance above which the conductor would be deemed unsuitable. Each measured value, if indeed it is measurable for very short lengths, should [...]

8 Actions to Improve Energy Efficiency In Heating Systems

Energy efficiency of heating systems In many buildings, HVAC is the first or second item in terms of energy costs. This technical article deals with optimisation tips and energy efficiency savings in heating systems of a building. Heating systems in building Heating systems have always been used when the outside temperature drops below a certain [...]

4 Test Instruments Most Frequently Used By Electricians

Testing an electrical installation // The test instruments and test leads used by the electrician for testing an electrical installation must meet all the requirements of the relevant regulations. The HSE has published Guidance Notes GS 38 (download below) for test equipment used by electricians. The IEE Regulations (BS 7671) also specify the test voltage […]

Beautiful LED Lighting Displays Show that Energy Efficiency is about Aesthetics Too

Energy efficiency isn't just about saving energy; nor is it just about improving comfort. It's about aesthetics too, as evidenced by the growing number of beautiful LED lighting displays.

Check out, for example, the re-lit LED lighting installation on the San Francisco Bay Bridge, designed by artist Leo Villareal with equipment from Royal Philips.

Known as the Bay Lights, the project was first lit in March 2013 and was meant to be a two-year installation. It now will permanently illuminate the San Francisco Bay's night sky.

Beautiful LED lighting display on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco

Bay lights has 25,000 connected light points and an advanced cloud-based connected lighting platform to remotely monitor and maintain the lighting system, according to Philips. Overall, the project uses 4.5 miles of cable and 75,000 LEDs

"The original Bay Lights installation served as a major source of pride in San Francisco and helped to increase tourism in the area," said Saeed Shahmirzai of Zoon Engineering, the Bay Bridge MEP integrator. "Thanks to advanced LED and system monitoring technology from Philips, we are able to build on those benefits and install an energy-efficient work of art that makes the Bay Bridge a true beacon of the San Francisco Bay Area."

Meanwhile, on the other coast, Duke Energy is offering its own beautiful LED lighting display on a smaller scale. Multicolored lights will offer an artistic surprise to visitors along the 4.5 mile Charlotte Rail Trail, according to the utility.

A collaboration between Charlotte Center City Partners and Duke Energy, the project includes 12 LED floodlights, which are similar to those atop the Duke Energy Center. The lights have a full 360-degree rotation and a high lumen output of 8,500, similar to the output of outdoor parking lot lighting. The lights can display 16,000 different colors and have 13 programmable scenes that will change regularly to celebrate holidays, special events and more.

Duke Energy's Charlotte Rail Trail LED lighting

"Our vision is for the Rail Trail to be a zipper that connects people and neighborhoods," said Chery Myers, senior vice president for planning and development at Charlotte Center City Partners. "This project represents the type of unique experiences we plan to curate across the length of the Rail Trail and is a remarkable example of what can be accomplished when the private sector and community stakeholders collaborate."

***

But of course, lighting is not all about beauty. Getting more work out of each bulb remains the key. And U.S. Lighting Group says it's doing just that.

In late January, U.S Lighting Group reported that independent U.S. test results show its LED clocking in at 158.64 lumens per watt. This makes it not only the longest-lasting LED bulb, but also the world's most energy efficient LED commercially available, says the Ohio light manufacturer. USLG's new LED light bulb is a four-foot bulb meant to replace the harsh fluorescent commonly found in offices, stores, and other commercial buildings.

***

Sensors often play a big role in lighting installations - as well as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning in buildings. So not surprisingly, the sensor market is growing. A new report by Navigant Research forecasts that global advanced sensor revenue will grow from $1.2 billion in 2016 to $3.2 billion in 2025.

The report examines the market for advanced sensors in six key segments, with global market forecasts for revenue and shipments, broken out by segment, customer sector, and region, through 2025. An executive summary is here.

***

In other energy efficiency news, Massachusetts looks determined to maintain its ranking as the top state on the annual scorecard produced by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. State regulators recently approved the highest savings goal in the nation for Massachusetts utilities.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities approved the 2016-2018 utility energy efficiency plans, which are estimated to provide $8 billion in economic benefits and energy savings. The programs have already delivered $12.5 billion in benefits since 2008.

The state aims to reduce electricity retail sales by 2.93 percent and natural gas sales 1.24 percent. The goal represents a 15 percent increase in electric savings and a 10 percent increase in gas savings over the state's 2013-15 plans.

Massachusetts has topped ACEEE's scorecard for five years running.

"Massachusetts' energy efficiency programs are delivering on their promise to create large energy savings for consumers, and move the Commonwealth toward a clean, affordable and secure energy future," said Daniel Sosland, Acadia Center president. "Efficiency is the best near-term energy strategy for reducing Massachusetts' residents' energy bills. Investing in energy efficiency produces immediate bill savings that persist for years to come."

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Spur Action on Energy Efficiency with These Creative Ideas from a Behavior Expert

Brian Southwell Speaking About Energy Efficiency

It's no secret that motivating people to take action on energy efficiency isn't always easy.

Sure, there are the energy nerds who love to control their energy usage from their phones. But what about the non-nerds?

Brian Southwell, a senior research scientist at the research institute RTI International and author of "Innovations in Home Energy Use: A Sourcebook for Behavior Change," has some creative suggestions, among them: Make home energy prices part of real estate listings.

First, it's important to understand what motivates people to save energy, he says.

People want to invest in energy efficiency to save money, he says. And they're affected by pressure to do the right thing. However, wanting to save energy and actually taking action are two different things.

"Just because you want to save energy doesn't mean you understand how HVAC systems are rated," he says.

During a summit last year at Duke University, a number of players — including real estate professionals, policy experts and academics — developed a list of ideas aimed at helping people who want to save energy actually take action.

Their suggestions:

1. Include in real estate listings an energy efficiency rating of homes.

"As part of the search process for real estate, information about the efficiency of a particular house isn't widely available, but there are tools like the Home Energy Rating System (HERS)," says Southwell. "We think making that information available could help with the decision making for folks searching for information." It could be included with information about what school district a home is located in, for example. This would give sellers an incentive to implement efficiency measures before they sell a home or business.

2. Establish employee incentive programs.

"Employers are in a unique position. Employees will pay attention to their messages and employers can leverage large groups of people." They might offer low-interest loans or seek group discounts on energy efficiency or solar installations. Competitions among employees over who can save the most energy are also an idea that was discussed at the summit. Competitions in general were a hot topic, he says.

3. Work with extension agencies on establishing automatic reminders after an energy audit.

Many extension agencies offer free energy audits, but there's often not followup after the audit about things like changing air filters; people often forget. "We need to automate and provide reminders," says Southwell.

The bottom line: More and more, people say they want to save energy because it's good for the environment and also saves money. "But we need to give people the skills they need to accomplish their behavioral goals," he says.

Follow us on Energy Efficiency Markets on Twitter @EfficiencyMkts.

Where Do Electrical Faults Occur The Most?

Causes of electrical faults // A fault is not a natural occurrence. It is an unplanned event which occurs unexpectedly. Electrical faults in an electrical installation or piece of equipment may be caused by // Negligence – that is, lack of proper care and attention Misuse – that is, not using the equipment properly or correctly […]

Two California Utilities Get Creative with EV Charging

EV Charging Stations

California is getting innovative with EV charging, having approved two utility proposals expected to expand charging and boost the numbers of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road.

In the first, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a proposal by Southern California Edison to invest $22 million in its "Charge Ready and Market Education Program," under which the utility provides incentives to deploy 1,500 EVs.

Having a utility participate in paying for the infrastructure to support EV charging is a new model for providing the infrastructure, said Jordan Ramer, CEO, EV Connect.

In the past, landlords and building owners were responsible for paying for electrical infrastructures to support the charging, he explained. That infrastructure could cost up to $2,000 per station, he said.

"Now the utility is taking the electric infrastructure and making it part of their grid, saying ‘We will make the investment and won’t require the landlord to lay out the cash for that part of the EV equation,' and taking it a step further and providing rebates for charging stations," he said.

"This is important because it's the entrance of a major utility like Southern California Edison in a way that enables an open, transparent, and competitive attempt to bring charging to its territories," said Ramer.  "It's very significant investment toward a market that does need investment in order to meet Gov. Brown's target of  1.5 million electric vehicles by 2025. The infrastructure is needed to meet those goals."

The program is designed to provide infrastructure in locations where EVs will be parked for long periods of time — work places, shopping malls or multi-family communities, for example.

"SCE's program will bring electricity to the property and right up to the parking lot, and you can get a rebate to put a charger at that location," explained Terry O'Day, vice president of NRG EVgo.

Generally, renters ask landlords to install charging stations. Now, this program will fund the backbone needed, he said.

This program will allow California to bring more renewable energy to the grid, O'Day said.  Charging can be timed to occur when the most renewable power is being produced. In addition, the charging stations will meet the requirements of demand response programs, meaning the utility can send a signal telling the operator of the charging station to schedule charging to meet the needs of the grid.

Under the program, the charging station is owned by the store, apartment complex or other charging host.  The site owner assumes responsibility for operating costs, maintenance, and electricity usage. The utility provides rebates that apply to the base cost at a pre-determined percentage; 25 percent for non-residential stations, 50 percent for multi-unity dwellings, and 100 percent for EV stations installed in disadvantaged communities, according to the Electric Vehicle Charging Association.

In Oregon, PacifiCorp and Portland General are considering similar programs, said O'Day.

Meanwhile, the CPUC approved San Diego Gas & Electric's proposal to develop a pilot program that will deploy 3,500 electric vehicle charging stations in the San Diego area.

“While we feel Southern California Edison’s pilot is a model program that should be adopted in states across the nation, SDG&E’s program, with its ‘Vehicle Grid Integration,' is incredibly innovative, featuring dynamic pricing that creates incentives for charging when renewable energy is most available," said Pasquale Romano, CEO of ChargePoint. "Together, these two programs represent a giant leap forward for EV Charging in Southern California.”

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