The programme will monitor EV owners' charging habits – data that is essential to understanding and managing increased electricity demands. The pilot project is the first of its kind in rural Alberta, as approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission.
The latest numbers indicate there are approximately 5,600 EVs registered in Alberta. As the electricity distributor to more than 240 Alberta communities, this pilot affirms FortisAlberta's commitment to a resilient grid and to long-term, prudent investment into Alberta's distribution infrastructure.
Participants in the pilot will receive incentives to take part. Charging data will be implemented and analysed over the course of 2023 to understand the impacts of charging on system demand, including how managed charging can limit cost and optimise the grid.
"The data gathered will help us understand vehicle charging requirements of our customers," says Curtis Eck, VP of engineering. "It will also demonstrate the opportunity for active managed charging to mitigate grid impacts, reduce carbon impacts, and save customers money; costs that directly impact the transmission and distribution fees on Albertan's utility bills".
FortisAlberta, in collaboration with EV smart charging app developer, Optiwatt, is looking for up to 600 customers who drive an EV and live within FortisAlberta's service area to participate in the study. Participants can enrol by downloading the free Optiwatt app from the Google Play and Apple App stores.
