Preparing the distribution
system for electrification
is essential to unlocking
grid transformation.

The stakes are high
if we don’t get it right.

ABOUT

Electrification of buildings and transportation is now broadly regarded as an essential component of modernizing the grid, and states have already begun to adopt electrification policies. Ensuring that the electric distribution system is ready for this future in a way that maintains customer affordability and reliability is one of the most important tasks for a successful energy transition.

The CHARGED initiative was established by GridLab, RMI and Advanced Energy United to identify tools and methods that utilities across the United States can adopt to enable electrification in ways that minimize infrastructure costs and maintain system reliability. The underlying principle is that multistakeholder conversations that bring utilities, technology providers, and public interest groups together in collaborative ways can generate creative and effective solutions that will help utilities and states across the country to learn from each other.

The initial focus of CHARGED was a three-day convening held in Boulder that brought together nearly 60 participants from utilities, advanced energy solutions providers, OEMs, public interest groups, and regulatory experts. Through group problem-solving approaches, the attendees discussed and developed solutions across planning, rates, deployment, grid connection and operations, culminating in a 100-page public document. Future efforts will mobilize the findings and recommendations from the inaugural convening, focusing on further problem-solving, analysis, and implementing solutions with state and utility partners.

Get Involved

Joining the CHARGED initiative has benefits! When you collaborate with us, CHARGED offers pro-bono access to experienced subject matter experts and facilitators.

Facilitation

Are you tackling complex challenges that require multiple stakeholder perspectives? If so, CHARGED can help facilitate those conversations towards reaching productive outcomes.

Analysis & implementation

Are you interested in testing out a particular solution, technology, such as smart EV charging? If so, CHARGED can help with assessing your options, and helping with deploying these solutions?

Education

Are you interested in learning about CHARGED’s solutions? If so, CHARGED can speak at your industry event.

Upcoming Events

WEBINAR
Tuesday February 24th
1PM ET / 10AM PT

Charging Ahead with Electrification: A Proactive Investment Framework

As electrification accelerates and new loads are added to the distribution system, utilities need to invest in their networks in a cost-effective and timely manner. Traditional methods of forecasting load and determining what capacity is needed can cause delays in meeting customer needs and in revisiting those investments if they prove insufficient as load continues to grow. Conversely, overinvesting in anticipation of future load that may not materialize, or that materializes more slowly than expected, can lead to stranded investments. In either case, costs can be higher than necessary, creating rate pressure at a time when electricity affordability is already a challenge for many.

This webinar will share a new report developed through the CHARGED Initiative—a partnership formed by Advanced Energy United, GridLab, and RMI—that provides guidance on tackling this challenge: Proactive Investment Framework: Technical and Regulatory Considerations. Attendees will hear from contributors to this report who will discuss the concept of proactive investment; how it can support distribution system planning and investment while balancing varying degrees of uncertainty; and guidance on implementing proactive investment processes, including identifying potential opportunities, assessing the viability of proposed investments, managing risk, and ensuring prudency of the investments.