

The Charging Perks Pilot is one of several initiatives Xcel Energy is working on as part of its EV vision. EPRI is a close contributor and collaborator in the automotive-utility industry and the creation of the Xcel Energy portal that allows operational engagement with the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform is an example of this collaboration. Xcel Energy has actively participated in research and demonstrations with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to advance electric transportation for many years.
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Xcel Energy will use this pilot to evaluate and learn about smart charging technology and program design before launching a full program where many more EV customers will be eligible to participate. Customers will receive up to $300 for enrolling and participating in the Charging Perks Pilot. Automakers will use information from the customer and their vehicle, pairing it with grid information from Xcel Energy to create a charging schedule that ensures a customer’s vehicle is ready when needed while also charging at the best times for the energy grid. Xcel Energy will work with the automakers to manage remotely when vehicles charge by using on-board communications, smart phone apps, and customer websites. Alice Jackson, president, Xcel Energy-Colorado We’re excited because this pilot enables new paths to help manage the grid as we move to increase renewable generation on our system to approximately 80% by 2030. This is one of the first smart charging projects between an energy company and multiple automakers and I believe represents a major opportunity to help our customers do even more to reduce their carbon footprint. The pilot program will include up to 600 EV customers in Colorado.Īchieving our EV vision to have 1.5 million vehicles on the road in the eight states we serve by 2030 will require unique partnerships and programs. Xcel Energy initially launched the Charging Perks pilot for Tesla customers in June 2021. Through its Charging Perks pilot, Xcel Energy is directly working with BMW, Ford, General Motors, and Honda to test how the company can help customers charge their EVs at times when they can save money, use more renewable energy, and when it is most optimal for the energy grid. Customers can be notified of outages in their area and gain valuable information on restoration times if their home or business is affected.Xcel Energy has launched a new pilot for customers of five major automakers to make it easier for consumers to make the switch to electric vehicles in Colorado and to charge their EVs at times when renewable energy production is high and demand on the energy grid is low.
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Should extreme cold come with ice and damaging winds, customers can be prepared to report outages quickly and track restoration progress by signing up for My Account at or by downloading the free Xcel Energy app, available at Apple Store and Google Play. Energy Star-certified smart thermostats can save up to 8% annually on heating and cooling costs, according to. A smart thermostat offers the added benefit of allowing adjustments to be made remotely via a mobile app or the internet using a smart phone, tablet, or computer. These adjustments are made easier by installing either a programmable or smart thermostat, both of which allow the customer to schedule thermostat adjustments. Winter heating accounts for about half a typical customer’s monthly energy costs, so it’s possible to realize big savings in the winter if customers keep warm air from escaping to the outside and ensuring heating units don’t have to run as often.Īnother important way to save on heating costs is to adjust the thermostat 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from normal settings for eight hours a day.

Information on this program can be found online at. Customers can take advantage of Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Services program to have approved contractors inspect their property for drafts and make the necessary adjustments free of charge.
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And ongoing efforts to upgrade voltages in older neighborhoods to a company standard provide more options for Xcel Energy to reroute power for faster restoration in the event of weather-related outages, a news release says.Ĭustomers can ensure their homes and business are prepared for extreme temperatures by having their heating equipment checked ahead of winter and taking steps to make interior spaces more airtight by adding weather stripping around doors and windows. The company has invested millions in recent years in pole replacement and conductor wire upgrades, which have hardened the grid against high winds and ice. Xcel Energy owns and operates almost 8,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 16,000 miles of lower voltage distribution lines across the area.
