Itron and PG&E collaborate in EV charging innovation

Itron (ITRI) and PG&E (PG&E) are collaborating with the aim of making electric vehicle, or EV, charging more accessible and affordable for PG&E’s customers. As part of exploring ways to modernize its electric meter network, PG&E is working with Itron on a customer-focused pilot to develop and test the management of EV charging loads in real-time, with the goal of significantly lowering the barrier for customers to charge their EV at home by avoiding the need for costly customer electric panel and service upgrades. A Level 2 charger is up to 15 times faster than plugging into a standard wall outlet and allows drivers to fill an all-electric vehicle from empty overnight. The EV Connect program uses distributed intelligence edge computing that operates on a customer’s electric meter directly. This on-meter application connects to, and coordinates with, the customer’s EV charger to keep charging within their panel and utility grid limits. The initial scope of the EV Connect pilot program will support up to 1,000 residential customers who currently own or are considering purchasing an EV and have panel or service limitations that prevent them from installing a Level 2 EV charger at home. PG&E and Itron plan to launch the new pilot offering in early 2025, with larger availability in the second half of 2025. Depending on learnings and the success of the pilot program, PG&E will evaluate extending the program to be broadly available on an ongoing basis.