Utility charging incentive programs, often referred to as Make-Ready, are designed to support the development of EV infrastructure by reducing the upfront costs of site construction associated with ‘making a site ready’ to install EV charging stations.
In the last 18 months alone, EVgo says it has received more than US$10m in awards from utility Make-Ready or rebate programs across 17 utility territories in nine states and the District of Columbia. These programs, designed to accelerate third-party investment in charging infrastructure to deliver more stations for EV drivers, have grown in popularity over the last several years. They have allowed EVgo to expand its reach in markets from California to Kansas.
“EVgo is committed to building a fast charging network that is sustainable both environmentally and financially, and utility incentive programs have been key pieces of the puzzle in building out a reliable and convenient fast charging network that works for everyone,” said Sara Rafalson, VP of market development and public policy at EVgo. “These programs – which leverage the complementary strengths of both experienced operators like EVgo and its utility partners – serve as market catalysts as we work collaboratively to build the charging infrastructure necessary to enable ubiquitous EV adoption.”
Utility Make-Ready programs are beneficial for charging networks, utilities, and EV drivers. Under these programs, utilities play the role of market accelerant by incentivising third-party investment to grow infrastructure deployments in their respective service territories. Simultaneously, these programs leverage the core competencies of experienced operators like EVgo who will develop, own, operate, and maintain the charging system through its useful life.
Based on its experience participating in utility incentive programs across the US, EVgo also released a new best practice document on Make-Ready program funding through the company’s Connect the Watts initiative. This best practice document highlights some of the ways that utilities can further support transportation electrification in their respective service territories, and includes spotlights on successful program designs implemented by utilities across the US.
