Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) says it has installed over 6,300 EV charging ports across Northern and Central California. To meet rising demand, the company introduced a new method that speeds up EV fast-charging and battery site connections for PG&E EV charging infrastructure.
PG&E introduced the Flexible Service Connection, or Flex Connect, to let customers with controllable power needs, like EV chargers, connect to the grid without waiting for upgrades. Flex Connect uses PG&E’s cloud-based Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) to coordinate power demand based on available electricity. This technology allows faster integration while PG&E completes long-term upgrades. PG&E developed DERMS with Microsoft and Schneider Electric. The system forecasts power limits daily, helping customers plan ahead.
PG&E EV Charging Infrastructure Adds New Flex Connect Sites
PG&E has already accelerated grid access at four sites using Flex Connect and continues to add more.
“Our new Flexible Service Connection offering delivers individualized solutions that best meet customers’ near-term needs. It allows them to connect without waiting for a physical infrastructure upgrade,” said Mike Delaney, VP of utility partnerships and innovation at PG&E.
Tesla Superchargers Go Live Using Flex Connect
In early 2024, Tesla submitted applications for PG&E electric service at new Supercharger stations along major highways. PG&E estimated that grid upgrades would take several years. However, Flex Connect allowed Tesla to connect stations immediately. By linking to PG&E’s DERMS, Tesla matched power usage to grid availability.
Flex Connect has already helped Tesla boost capacity at Supercharger sites in Santa Nella and Upper Lake, California. More locations are in development.
PepsiCo Boosts Truck Charging Capacity in Fresno
PepsiCo’s Fresno bottling facility joined Flex Connect to increase charging power for its electric semi-truck fleet. Before Flex Connect, the facility only had 3 megawatts (MW) of capacity at night and none during the day. Now, it receives up to 4.5 MW most of the time, depending on grid conditions. PG&E unlocked this additional capacity 18 months ahead of schedule. Long-term upgrades will finish by June 2026.
By energizing 20 trucks earlier than planned, PepsiCo said it expects to cut about 8,000 tons of CO₂ emissions and save $1 million in fuel costs.
PG&E EV Charging Infrastructure Supports Commercial Fleets
PG&E helps commercial customers like PepsiCo through its EV Fleet program. This program assists with charging infrastructure installation and includes incentives, site design, permitting, and activation. PG&E recently added EV Fleet Advisory Services, which provides personalized support to medium and heavy-duty fleets transitioning to electric vehicles.
PG&E also supports Revel’s West Coast expansion by powering its new EV chargers in San Francisco and Oakland. Additionally, PG&E uses DERMS for projects like flexible generation interconnection and capacity deferral. The utility plans to grow DERMS capabilities and include more load management features as part of its long-term energy strategy.
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