EnergyHub and Ameren Illinois Launch EV Managed Charging Pilots
EnergyHub, a leading provider of grid-edge flexibility, and Ameren Illinois (AIC), an electric and gas utility serving 1.2 million electric customers across central and southern Illinois, have launched new residential and commercial electric vehicle (EV) managed charging pilots. These pilots aim to create a reliable, affordable grid while expanding access to managed charging programs for all types of customers.
The core goal of the pilots is to reduce the impact of EV charging on the grid by shifting charging away from peak demand periods or times of high wholesale energy prices, which often occur together. At the distribution level, this approach helps prevent thermal overloading of hardware, which can delay the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades and reduce overall costs for customers. The program also ensures that participating drivers can still receive the full charge they want by the time they specify, while also providing incentives for allowing the utility to manage their vehicle charging schedules. Drivers can also override the charging schedule at any time, giving them full control over when and how their vehicle charges.
Both the residential and commercial EV managed charging programs are designed to boost participation in Equity Investment Eligible Communities (EIEC), areas that often face higher barriers to access to energy programs. Residential participants in the program receive a $75 upfront incentive, along with a $10 monthly payment, for a total of up to $100. Those in EIEC or low-income areas are eligible for an additional $50 incentive upfront, making the program more accessible to underserved communities. All incentive payments are subject to the terms and conditions of the program. Interest in the residential managed charging pilot has been strong, with the program exceeding its enrollment target in just three months, demonstrating high demand for such initiatives.
“As EV adoption grows among residential and commercial customers, we believe managed charging has an important role to play in helping deliver reliable, affordable power to our customers,” said Anjuli Kampwerth, an Ameren Illinois representative. “The popularity of these programs shows that interest extends to every corner of our service territory.”
EnergyHub’s managed charging solution operates through direct integrations with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) providers and electric vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These integrations help maximize participation by simplifying the process for customers and ensuring that the managed charging service is seamless. EnergyHub’s solution also includes demand response and dynamic load-shaping capabilities, allowing Ameren Illinois and other utility clients to effectively manage peak demand and grid impacts. This flexibility not only supports today’s grid but also lays the groundwork for future grid enhancements, including vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid functionalities.
Seth Frader-Thompson, President of EnergyHub, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Ameren Illinois. “Ameren Illinois’ success in bringing EV managed charging to every community in their service territory demonstrates their commitment to equitable program design and implementation,” he said. “We’re excited to bring the lessons learned from these residential and commercial programs to our clients across North America.”
The EV managed charging initiative is part of a broader push to integrate electric vehicles into the grid in a way that supports both customers and utilities. By creating flexible, dynamic programs, Ameren Illinois and EnergyHub are helping to ensure that the rising demand for electric vehicles does not place undue stress on the grid. Instead, these programs help create a more resilient and efficient energy system, offering benefits to customers and utilities alike.
EnergyHub, which is an independent subsidiary of Alarm.com (NASDAQ: ALRM), is known for its work in clean energy software and services, focusing on unlocking the full potential of distributed energy resources (DERs) for utilities, markets, and customers. Through its EnergyHub Edge DERMS platform, utilities can enroll and manage DERs, such as thermostats, EVs, and batteries, to create virtual power plants (VPPs) that deliver grid flexibility and reliability. Today, EnergyHub helps over 80 utilities manage more than 1.6 million DERs and over 2 GW of flexible capacity with customer-centric programs and cross-DER optimization.
As the world continues to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, programs like the EV managed charging initiative between EnergyHub and Ameren Illinois play a crucial role in ensuring that electric vehicles are integrated into the grid in a way that benefits everyone. By utilizing innovative technologies and focusing on equity and inclusion, the collaboration sets a strong example for how utilities and technology providers can work together to create a more sustainable, flexible energy future for all.
