MGE is launching two electric vehicle (EV) managed charging pilot programs—one for apartment and workplace charging and another for fleet charging. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin gave final approval for these pilots.

The demand for electricity to charge EVs can be unpredictable as customers charge at their convenience. With managed charging, the customer or utility remotely controls vehicle charging to better correspond to the needs of the electric grid. Our charging pilots will allow us to evaluate load management strategies, such as staggering start times to avoid rebound peaks and shifting charging to lower-cost periods. Charging outside of peak demand periods can translate to lower demand charges for customers.

“The electrification of transportation is a key strategy for achieving deep decarbonization,” said Erinn Monroe-Nye, Energy Services and Policy Manager - Customer Experience and Energy Services, who also provides oversight for the managed EV charging pilots. “Managed EV charging can help us better manage grid resources and control the long-term costs for all customers.”

Apartment and workplace charging pilot

MGE developed the apartment and workplace charging pilot because:

• In Madison, renters make up more than 50% of the population, and they may not have access to charging in their garages.
• Eighty percent or more of charging happens at home, and the workplace is the second most common place to charge.

The new pilot has capacity for 50 participants. MGE will own and maintain Level 2 charging stations at apartment and office buildings and have the ability to view and manage charging. Customers will need to work with an electrician to install the chargers. They also will pay a monthly charge to cover station costs, network fees, maintenance and cord management. Monroe-Nye says the pilot makes it easier for organizations or property owners to recover actual charging costs from users of the charging stations.

“Under this pilot, multifamily facilities and workplaces will be offered the option to collect payment from drivers in a way that aligns closer to actual energy rates, which are based on kilowatt-hours (kWh),” Monroe-Nye explained. “Currently, non-utilities must charge drivers based on a time or a parking fee.”

Managed charging also provides the ability to manage user groups. For example, employers could use the Cloud-based management platform and program their charger to allow only employees to use it. Or, an apartment building owner could program a charger to charge a specific rate for residents and another for non-residents.

“Having this versatility will give pilot participants an opportunity to use managed charging capabilities fully,” Monroe-Nye said.

Fleet charging pilot

Both large and small business fleets in the Madison area are going electric. The benefits can be substantial to business fleets, from highlighting your company’s commitment to sustainability to reducing fuel and maintenance costs.

This pilot will include up to 15 participants. MGE will install, own and maintain Level 2 charging stations for business customers to charge their fleet vehicles, allowing MGE to view and manage charging. Customers will need to work with an electrician to install the chargers. They also will pay a monthly charge to cover station costs, network fees, maintenance and cord management.

Additionally, MGE can provide your business with technical assistance to see if EVs could be a smart addition for your fleet. We can provide resources for reviewing your existing fleet, EV recommendations, a total cost of ownership summary and charging guidance.

Workplace charging opportunities

Installing EV charging stations at your business can be a selling point for employees and potential hires to charge their vehicles at work. Having EV chargers on-site positions you as a forward-thinking employer that prioritizes sustainability.

MGE works with employers to get workplace charging programs started. We can:

• Connect you to other local companies that have already gone through the process.
• Conduct a survey for your employees to gauge interest.
• Help you understand how EV charging may affect your bill.
• Assist with service upgrades.

If you would like to learn more about installing EV chargers at your workplace, call us at 608-252-7007.

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