Consumers Energy: Overview of the "PowerMIDrive Program"

Date: July 2023

Consumers Energy exceeded its 1,000 EV enrollment target for the PowerMIDrive Program by 33% in 2022, demonstrating the EV load management program can scale to its next target of 10,000 vehicles and far beyond. 

Learn about this successful program that started in 2019 with networked chargers, then telematics hardware, and ultimately experienced a massive boost in enrollments with the addition of a "Bring Your Own Charger" (BYOC) component. The BYOC component was powered by AMI data analytics and program partner Sagewell, and offers more equitable access by enabling any EV and any level 2 charger to enroll into PowerMIDrive which shifts 98% of EV load to off-peak hours without active load management.

Every-day peak reduction is crucial in Michigan where the distribution grid is sized for relatively small AC load, and where a 7 kW EV charger can overload a transformer every summer and winter evening. The PowerMIDrive program makes room for faster beneficial electrification and decarbonization by reducing the need to upgrade the distribution system, and in January 2023, was approved by the Michigan Public Services Commission to become a permanent offering.

Speakers:
Kevin Knight, Baltimore Gas & Electric
Jeff Myrom, Consumers Energy
Gary Smith, Sagewell

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