Platte River launches EV charging study

Electric vehicle owners can save up to $350 on a smart charger

FORT COLLINS, Colo., February 26, 2019 – Platte River Power Authority is seeking EV owners to participate in a distributed charging study to evaluate vehicle electric energy consumption patterns and test smart charging technology, and is offering a rebate to the study participants.

The study is the first of its kind in Colorado and provides participants with the opportunity to schedule charging activity around the most cost-effective times of use. The data collected will provide Platte River with a better understanding of the energy consumption behaviors which can help inform resource planning efforts as the organization works toward achieving a 100 percent non-carbon resource mix by 2030.

“Smart EV charging aligns well with Platte River’s core pillars of providing reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable electricity and services to our owner communities,” said Jason Frisbie, general manager and CEO of Platte River. “As our non-carbon portfolio continues to expand, a better understanding of EV owner consumption patterns will provide valuable insight and allow consumers to participate in our energy future.”

The study will be conducted in collaboration with eMotorWerks, developer of the JuiceNet platform-enabled charging stations that allow participants to proactively manage their charging while providing valuable data to Platte River.

To encourage participation, Platte River is offering a $200 rebate on the charging stations purchased through the Efficiency Works Store. An additional $154 instant manufacturer’s rebate will be provided to the first 100 people to purchase the JuiceBox Pro 40 plug-in charging station.

To participate, consumers must:

  • Be an EV owner and customer of Estes Park Light & Power, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications or Loveland Water and Power
  • Agree to rebate terms and conditions
  • Have or acquire a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 service outlet to connect the charger (may require an electrician)
  • Have WiFi internet access
  • Purchase one of four smart level 2 charging stations from the Efficiency Works Store

Of the light-duty vehicles registered in Platte River’s service territory, 0.4 percent are EVs, nearly twice the Colorado state average, according to the 2018 City of Fort Collins’ EV Readiness Roadmap. Due to the elevated rate of EV use, Platte River expects to engage up to 300 participants in the study.

To receive the rebate(s), customers must enter their address and utility account number on the Efficiency Works Store for location validation and accept the terms and conditions of the study. Once the station is delivered and installed, study participants can schedule and manage their EV charging as desired.

Questions regarding Platte River’s rebate and delivery of the charger can be directed to Simple Energy, which manages the Efficiency Works Store. Customers are encouraged to contact Simple Energy if they encounter issues with account validation and rebate redemption. Technical questions about the device can be directed to eMotorWerks while questions about the EV distributed charging study can be sent to EVinfo@prpa.org.

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Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit wholesale electricity generation and transmission provider that delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado for delivery to their utility customers.

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