PLANNING FOR AN ELECTRIC FUTURE

By Terry Moseley, Executive VP/General Manager

As we at Pioneer Electric strategize for future growth, we must account for the rising adoption rate of electric vehicles among consumers.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EV sales doubled from 2020 to 2021, reaching a record high of 608,000 sold in 2021. As that number grows, electric utilities across the country are preparing to manage this shifting pattern of electricity use.

Identifying where and when charging takes place provides a picture of usage patterns to forecast energy consumption and demand. We use that information to plan system maintenance and upgrades to accommodate demand.

Right now, EV ownership among our members is relatively low, but we must consider the likelihood of more members going electric. A large number of chargers pulling power from our grid has real implications for Pioneer Electric. For example, the load experienced with charging an EV may overload your home’s electrical panel, service wire and/or the transformer serving your home. Overloading the home electric system can damage any of the items mentioned and must be addressed by Pioneer Electric with the help of the member. Save yourself an unexpected outage by advising us whenever you add a large load to your home.

We’re monitoring government regulations, business trends and local purchasing behavior to continue our mission of providing reliable electric service while keeping rates affordable. There are many reasons you might choose an EV, including rising gas prices, concerns over carbon emissions or just personal preference. Whatever the reason, we are here to help you make an informed decision.

Understand how home charging works. Plugs vary, and chargers have different power levels that affect charging time. Most EV models come with a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet. Charging overnight with a Level 1 charger will give you about 40 miles of range, and recharging from empty could take 24 hours or longer.

Another option is installing a Level 2 charger that uses the same 240-volt connection as your clothes dryer. An overnight charge will give you about 340 miles of range. If you’re considering a Level 2 charger, hire an electrician to be sure your home’s electrical system can safely accommodate the additional load.

Consider when you charge at home. Charging an EV not only impacts your energy usage, it also adds to your home’s total demand. Level 2 charges can range up to 19 kW, which is nearly double the average home’s typical maximum demand per day. This additional demand will impact Pioneer Electric’s cost of service, especially if charging occurs during peak hours. If you charge at home, we encourage you to charge overnight, after our peak window.

Research maintenance options. EVs have unique maintenance needs that require specially trained technicians. Before you purchase, locate the nearest service centers that will perform maintenance and repairs.

Get auto insurance quotes. In some cases, electric cars are more costly to insure than conventional vehicles, and some companies won’t insure EVs. As part of your research, discuss insurance rates with your agent to avoid surprises after an EV purchase.

Let us help. We have more EV information on our website, including details about home chargers, offers and incentives and a calculator for potential savings, at pioneerelectric. com/electric-vehicles.

We hope you take solace in knowing we are doing all we can to plan for the future, whatever it may bring. 