Satisfaction With Cost of Charging EVs Declined Last Year, J.D. Power Study Finds
April 4, 2023
by Peter Maloney
APPA News
April 4, 2023
Satisfaction with the cost and time of charging an electric vehicle at home has declined over the past year, according to a new study by J.D. Power.
A total of 83 percent of electric vehicle owners use Level 2 portable or permanently mounted home charging stations, their satisfaction with the cost of charging declined from last year’s 2022 study by more than 30 points, on a 1,000-point scale, in each segment, the report, U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study, found.
Of the 68 percent of electric vehicle owners who use a Level 2 permanently mounted charging station, their overall satisfaction declined 12 points year-over-year to 740, according to the study.
Over the past year, the electric vehicle marketplace has encountered rising electricity rates, in part, because of the recent inflationary period in the United States, the study’s authors said.
The declines in owner satisfaction carried across all regions of the United States, but New England saw the steepest decline, falling 27 points to 689, while electric vehicle owners in the East South Central region reported the highest levels of satisfaction, 785 points, with the cost of charging.
Satisfaction also generally improved, by 179 points, when owners moved up from a level 1, 120-volt charger to a Level 2, 240-volt charger.
The study also found that 35 percent of electric vehicle owners reported always scheduling their home charging time, while 49 percent said they do not use any scheduling. And owners who schedule their charging times using the vehicle’s app reported more satisfaction than owners who use the charger’s mobile app.
Driver satisfaction with the speed of home charging also declined, with owners of 2022 and 2023 model electric vehicles reporting less satisfaction with their home charging speeds – ratings of 605 and 597, respectively – than owners of 2021 and 2020 model electric vehicles, by ratings of 616 and 608, respectively, the study found.
The study’s authors also noted that while electric vehicle owners’ awareness of utility electric vehicle programs and incentives rose slightly, there is room for improvement.
Only 51 percent of electric vehicle owners said they were knowledgeable about utility programs for charging electric vehicles at home, compared with 49 percent a year ago.
There is little awareness and utilization of benefits, such as programs designed to save electric vehicle owners charging costs by scheduling to charge during the most affordable time of the day, the study found.
NYPA, Partners Complete Study Tied to Weather Forecasting for Solar Energy
April 3, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
April 3, 2023
The New York Power Authority and research partners have completed a multi-year study to help New York State’s growing solar industry deploy weather forecasting technology to better anticipate power generation and improve electric grid reliability, NYPA said on March 30.
The project addresses challenges raised by the uncertainty related to solar output by offering advanced forecasting methods and making a roadmap to help maintain grid reliability, optimize production of renewables, and reduce operating costs.
The technology informs and will help advance New York State’s goal of at least ten gigawatts of distributed solar by 2030 and move New York closer to its goal of 70% renewable generation by 2030 and a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, NYPA said.
The study, the final $1.5 million phase of a $2.4 million project, lays out lessons learned for how forecasting can be deployed, improved and integrated into New York State to allow grid operations to remain effective as solar becomes more integral to day-to-day grid operations.
The research was funded by NYPA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, and co-managed by EPRI, an independent, non-profit energy R&D institute.
Other partners included National Center for Atmospheric Research, Brookhaven National Lab and the State University of New York at Albany. Advisors included the New York Independent System Operator and Central Hudson, a New York distribution utility.
BNL, with assistance from the University of Albany, deployed high-definition digital cameras in sky-imager networks and advanced weather forecasting models focused on solar forecasting, combined with advanced data from the NYS Mesonet, a statewide network of weather stations, and other resources.
Advanced predictive methods, along with various hardware and software systems, were developed and evaluated against forecasts currently in use to show the benefits of more detailed models and data.
The study relied on an open source, gridded solar power forecasting system developed by scientists at NCAR. NYSolarCast makes predictions of global horizontal irradiance every 15 minutes for a three-kilometer grid covering all of New York, which are then used to predict solar power generation for both utility-scale photovoltaic plants and distributed (mostly rooftop) PV installations. NYSolarCast leverages machine learning techniques trained on NCAR-based weather prediction models, NYS Mesonet observations and historical data from PV plants across New York.
The study helped develop an underlying platform for solar and other utility-related weather forecasting, including building load management, based on improved solar irradiance forecasts. However, results indicated that the solar industry needs to acknowledge the need for growth and take steps to be more transparent by sharing data, having better maintenance and monitoring instrumentation, and filtering out erroneous data.
The research identified several possible ways the forecast models could be deployed and the feasibility of each: incorporation of research by a forecast provider, public deployment, or deployment by a private entity.
The new models could also form the basis of improved commercial tools. Several companies currently provide forecasting services for New York State, particularly for day ahead operations based on weather modeling.
Improved forecasts could be applied to individual solar plants and to predict distributed solar across a large region, not only for NYISO, but also for generation, transmission and distribution companies, private developers, and end user customers, NYPA said.
Read the report here.
Treasury Department Releases Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on New EV Tax Credit
April 3, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
April 3, 2023
The Treasury Department on March 31 announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding vehicle eligibility under the new electric vehicle tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking “provides clarity and certainty to manufacturers on the Inflation Reduction Act requirements that vehicles eligible for the clean vehicle credit undergo final assembly in North America and do not exceed a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $80,000 for a van, pickup truck, or sport utility vehicle, or $55,000 for any other vehicle,” the Treasury Department said in a news release.
Building on the anticipated approach detailed in a white paper released in December, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also explains how manufacturers may satisfy the critical mineral and battery component requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act.
To be eligible for a $7,500 credit, clean vehicles must meet sourcing requirements for both the critical minerals and battery components contained in the vehicle. Vehicles that meet one of the two requirements are eligible for a $3,750 credit.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is open for public comment and will be formally published on April 17, 2023, and vehicles placed in service on or after April 18, 2023, will be subject to the requirements of the rule, including the battery and critical mineral requirements.
At that time, FuelEconomy.gov will have a list of eligible vehicles that manufacturers have indicated to the IRS meet the new requirements to claim the tax credit.
Click here for additional details.
Public Power Lineworkers Earn Awards at National Lineworkers Rodeo
April 3, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
April 3, 2023
Seven journeyman teams and 15 individual apprentices won awards at the American Public Power Association’s twenty-first annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo, held March 31-April 1, in Kansas City, Kansas.
Forty-five journeyman teams and 100 apprentices competed. Forty-one utilities had competitors in the apprentice and/or journeyman competitions. The “rodeo” is a series of competitive events demonstrating lineworker skills and safe work practices.
“We’re so pleased by the participation this year of lineworkers representing public power utilities from communities across the nation,” said Jeff Haas, APPA Acting President & CEO. “The friendly competition is all about safety, training, comradery, and pride in the craft.”
The awards honor lineworkers’ expertise, and the events are judged on safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling, and timely event completion. All safety rules established by APPA’s 17th edition Safety Manual were observed during events.
There are two levels of competition within the rodeo: journeyman and apprentice. The journeyman teams consist of three members – two climbers and a ground person – and can include an optional alternate. Journeymen have years of experience within the electric utility trade, while an apprentice lineworker is newer to the craft.
Click here for a full listing of award winners.
New Nuclear Unit in Georgia Generates Electricity for the First Time, Connects to Grid
April 3, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
April 3, 2023
Georgia Power on April 1 reported that the generator at Vogtle Unit 3 has generated electricity for the first time, and the unit has successfully synchronized and connected to the electric grid.
Vogtle 3 and 4 are new nuclear units under construction at a nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, Ga. Vogtle Unit 3 is adjacent to the operating Units 1 and 2, near Waynesboro, Georgia. Unit 3 and 4 are two 1,100-megawatt Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactors being constructed in Burke County, Ga.
Connecting to the electric grid is part of ongoing startup testing for Vogtle Unit 3, and operators will continue to raise reactor power for electricity generation while performing tests at various power levels.
This Unit 3 milestone follows initial criticality, reached on March 6, when operators safely started the nuclear reaction inside the reactor, generating nuclear heat to produce steam. Once all startup testing is successfully completed and the unit is available for reliable dispatch, the unit will enter commercial operation.
Meanwhile, at Vogtle Unit 4, nuclear operators began hot functional testing last month. Both achievements represent significant steps toward operations.
At Unit 4, hot functional testing, which began last month, marks the last series of major tests underway for the new nuclear unit ahead of initial fuel load.
The testing is being conducted to verify the successful operation of reactor components and systems together and confirm the reactor is ready for fuel load. As part of the testing, the site team will begin running Unit 4 plant systems, without nuclear fuel in the reactor, and advance through the testing process towards reaching normal operating pressure and temperature. Nuclear operators will use the heat generated by the unit’s four reactor coolant pumps to raise the temperature and pressure of plant systems to normal operating levels.
Once normal operating temperature and pressure levels are achieved and sustained, the unit’s main turbine will be raised to normal operating speed using steam from the plant. During these series of tests, nuclear operators will be able to exercise and validate procedures as required ahead of fuel load.
The in-service date for Unit 3 is projected during May or June 2023. Vogtle Unit 4 is projected to enter service in late fourth quarter 2023 or first quarter 2024.
Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.
Austin Energy General Manager Jackie Sargent Announces Retirement
March 31, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 31, 2023
Austin Energy General Manager Jackie Sargent on March 31 announced her retirement from the Texas public power utility. Sargent served as the first female General Manager of Austin Energy.
Sargent’s retirement is effective immediately. Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Stuart Reilly will serve as Interim General Manager.
From Sargent’s start with Austin Energy in 2010 as Senior Vice President of Power Supply and Market Operations to serving as General Manager for nearly six years, Sargent demonstrated leadership by overseeing many notable accomplishments, Austin Energy noted.
Throughout her career, she managed major construction projects, developed resource plans, supported acquisitions and mergers, led utility rate reviews, negotiated power purchase and sale agreements, developed and grew energy marketing departments, integrated renewable resources and created collaborative energy efficiency programs.
In 2017, Sargent was recognized by RMEL, a nonprofit energy trade association, with their Distinguished Leadership Award.
Additionally, Sargent is the recipient of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Distinguished Alumni Award and, in 2022, she received the Energy Thought Summit – Thought Leader of the Year Award.
Snohomish County PUD, Tacoma Power Execute Funding Agreements Tied to SPP Initiative
March 31, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 31, 2023
Washington State’s Snohomish County PUD and Tacoma Power recently executed funding agreements to participate in the first phase of development of the Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+ initiative.
“We are excited to have a seat at the table to help shape the design of this new market option,” said Adam Cornelius, Snohomish PUD Principal Utility Analyst, in a statement. “The potential of Markets+ to integrate more renewable energy on to the grid and to do so in a cost-effective manner is aligned with the PUD’s goals and strategy to become 100 percent carbon free while keeping rates affordable.”
Snohomish PUD and Tacoma Power join several other organizations that have agreed to participate in the Markets+ phase one development, including Arizona Public Service, Bonneville Power Administration, Chelan PUD, NV Energy, Powerex, Puget Sound Energy, Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power.
Participation in phase one does not commit utilities to join Markets+. A decision to participate in the market is expected to follow tariff approval.
Snohomish PUD and Tacoma Power are significant new additions to the Markets+ footprint as they represent BPA’s largest and fourth-largest public utility customers, respectively, and serve a significant portion of Washington state’s population.
When combined with BPA, PSE and Chelan PUD, the additions of Tacoma and Snohomish means that most Washingtonians are served by an electric utility participating in the Markets+ development effort.
“Tacoma Power is happy to join our peer utilities in supporting the development of SPP Markets+,” said Clay Norris, Tacoma Power’s Power Management Officer. “Given the significant impacts of moving to centralized day-ahead markets, we think that it is beneficial for utilities across the west to have multiple options to evaluate.”
SPP is developing Markets+, a regional, day-ahead electricity market in the western United States, with funding and participation from a diverse collection of utilities, interest groups and others.
SPP plans to officially announce a complete list of organizations who will participate in phase-one development of Markets+ on April 3.
SPP announced in March that phase one of Markets+ development will see the establishment of a fully independent governance structure. The group’s work will result in market protocols, tariff and governing documents that SPP will eventually file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approval in early 2024.
Snohomish County PUD is a public power utility that serves electricity to 365,000 customers and water to 23,000 customers in Snohomish County and Camano Island in Washington state.
Tacoma Power is a division of Tacoma Public Utilities. Publicly owned since 1893, it provides electric service to nearly 179,000 customers in Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest and portions of Fife, Lakewood, Federal Way, Steilacoom, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and incorporated Pierce County, as far south as Roy.
Public Power Utility Crews Head to Arizona for Project to Bring Power to Navajo Nation Households
March 31, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 31, 2023
Public power utility crews have started to deploy to Arizona to participate in Light Up Navajo, a project to extend electric service to households on the Navajo Nation.
Light Up Navajo is a joint effort between the American Public Power Association and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. Light Up Navajo IV starts in April and runs through June 2023.
In April, crews from the following public power utilities are scheduled to take part in the effort:
- Salt River Project
- Grand River Dam Authority
- Littleton Electric Light & Water
- Greenville Utilities
- Spanish Fork Power & Light
- City of Westerville
- SMUD
- Roseville Electric Utility
- Austin Energy
Crews from the following public power utilities are scheduled to deploy in May and June:
- Norwich Public Utilities
- Conway, Arkansas
- Fayetteville Public Utilities
- Murray City Power
- Hamilton, Ohio
During April-June 2022, 69 volunteers from 14 utilities in 10 different states worked to electrify 137 Navajo Nation homes.
TVA Prices $1 Billion of New Five-Year Global Power Bonds
March 31, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 31, 2023
The Tennessee Valley Authority priced $1 billion of new five-year maturity global power bonds on March 27, with an interest rate of 3.875%. This is TVA’s first bond offering with a five-year maturity since 2020.
TVA said the bonds attracted interest from a wide variety of domestic and global institutions, including official institutions, state and local governments, pension funds, money managers and insurance companies. Barclays Capital, BofA Securities, Morgan Stanley & Co, and RBC Capital Markets served as joint book-running managers for the transaction.
The new bonds will mature on March 15, 2028, and are not subject to redemption prior to maturity. Interest will be paid semi-annually each March 15 and September 15. Application has been made to list the bonds on the New York Stock Exchange.
TVA plans to use the proceeds to pay down other debt and for general corporate purposes. The transaction will not, in and of itself, materially change TVA’s debt balance, which remains at the lowest level in 30 years. TVA’s business plan calls for debt to increase in fiscal year 2023, and in the coming years, as TVA continues to invest in its power system.
Long Island Power Authority Board Approves Time-of-Day Rates Plan
March 31, 2023
by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 31, 2023
The Long Island Power Authority Board of Trustees on March 29 voted to modernize electric rates for residential customers throughout Long Island and the Rockaways beginning in 2024 with a standard time-of-day rate and an optional super off-peak rate.
Customers will still have the option to stay on a flat rate.
“Time-of-Day Rates are an important rate modernization reform that will help lower customer bills and advance clean energy,” said Thomas Falcone, Chief Executive Officer of LIPA. “Once implemented in 2024, this initiative will save 80 percent of customers money even before changes to how or when they use electricity. By moving to Time-of-Day Rates, we can reduce carbon emissions and take the burden off the electric grid during the highest times of demand.”
With the new TOD rate, customers will pay different rates for electricity based on when they use it. Electric rates will be higher during weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (peak) but lower all other hours of the day and on weekends and holidays (off-peak). With the super off-peak rate, rates are further discounted in the (super off-peak) hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Most customers will pay the same or less under the TOD rate or super off-peak rate without changing their electricity usage or habits because. These customers already conduct most activities during discounted off-peak periods, which make up 88 percent of hours throughout the year.
While developing the TOD proposal, LIPA proactively sought feedback and received input from customers and stakeholders. Through the process, LIPA evaluated best practices from other utilities across the U.S. that have successfully implemented TOD Rates for their customers, beginning as early as 2018. In California, public power utility SMUD has implemented time-of-day rates.
The LIPA TOD rate design was collaboratively developed with input from the Department of Public Service, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York Solar Energy Industries Alliance and consumer advocates such as the Utility Intervention Unit, and the Public Utilities Law Project.
LIPA’s service provider, PSEG Long Island, will be conducting extensive outreach to all customers before they are transitioned into the new rate. Customers will receive 90-, 60-, and 30-day notices, which will include information about the different plans, how to optimize their rates, and details regarding a bill protection guarantee.
To help customers transition to the new plan, LIPA is offering a one-year bill protection guarantee for a customer’s first year on the TOD Rate (or Super Off-Peak Rate). If a customer’s electric bill on the TOD Rate (or Super Off-Peak Rate) is higher after 12 months than it would have been under the Flat Rate, LIPA will automatically refund (in the form of a bill credit) the difference for the entire 12-month period.
Customers will be migrated to the new TOD rate plan in phases beginning in 2024 and continuing through 2025. Starting in the Fall of 2023, customers will also have the option to both voluntarily opt into the time-of-day rate and super off-peak rate early or opt out entirely and remain on the current flat rate.
LIPA said that the electricity that is generated off-peak emits up to 50 percent less carbon than the electric generation needed to serve peak demand from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. during weekdays. The power plants that run during peak periods need to be highly flexible to turn off and on quickly and are less efficient than plants optimized to run all the time, it said.
By reducing demand during peak periods, LIPA can reduce the capacity and runtime of less efficient power plants and avoid the need to expand the electric grid’s capacity. As LIPA operates on a not-for-profit basis, those savings are then passed on to customers under this program.
Under the TOD rate, customers will also have the ability to save even more money by making small changes in their daily routine that conduct energy-intensive activities—such as doing laundry or charging electric cars —in off-peak hours. For instance, a customer on the TOD Rate could save approximately $4 per month by doing their laundry and $43 per month by charging their electric vehicle during off-peak hours.
LIPA previously held two public hearings in Nassau County and Suffolk County, and members of the public also had the opportunity to speak in front of the LIPA Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled meetings. Additionally, written comments were accepted and provided to the Board for consideration before the vote.
For more information, visit https://www.lipower.org/time-of-day/