system for electrification
is essential to unlocking
grid transformation.
if we don’t get it right.
ABOUT
Electrification of buildings and transportation is an essential component of modernizing the grid. 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 formed to support states as they electrify their transportation and building sectors, ensuring that the electricity distribution system is ready for this new era. Amidst a period of regulatory change and technical opportunity, it is imperative that the distribution system not only maintain, but strengthen affordability and reliability for customers.
CHARGED follows an underlying principle that when gathered together in a structured collaborative space, utilities, advanced energy companies, technical experts, and public interest groups will generate creative and effective solutions that can be scaled, replicated, and customized across the country. The goal is to make progress outside of traditional regulatory processes towards electrification solutions and to improve outcomes in those regulatory processes. Starting with an inaugural three-day convening in April 2024, roughly 60 participants from these diverse stakeholder groups identified tools and methods to enable electrification in ways that minimize infrastructure costs and maintain system reliability. This convening resulted in identification of a dozen specific challenges, roughly 40 least-regrets solutions with potential for immediate implementation, and outlines for 14 longer-term solutions. Through regular convenings, study tours, and regulatory cohorts, the CHARGED Initiative is working through implementing these solutions and continuing to refine them.
CHARGED is a collaborative effort between GridLab, RMI and Advanced Energy United.
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
Wednesday, May 19th
3PM ET / 12PM PT
Charging Ahead with Electrification: Getting GIS Right
The growth of distributed generation and load requires utilities to prepare the distribution system to accommodate new load, maintain reliability, and minimize costs–necessitating a strong knowledge of grid assets–where they are, their condition, and how they’re connected to each other. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are an essential tool for utilities to better understand, plan, and manage the grid.
The CHARGED Initiative–a partnership formed by Advanced Energy United, GridLab, and RMI–led a “GIS Best Practices” research project to use utility case studies to prepare a report and guidance for both utilities and regulators.
Hear from two of the lead authors as they discuss:
•The value of GIS for distribution system utilities.
•Utility case studies on successful applications of GIS.
•Recommendations for adopting modern GIS tools.
