CPS Energy unveils pilot programs that incentivize EV home charging during off-peak hours

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
April 16, 2021

Texas public power utility CPS Energy on April 15 said it is introducing two pilot programs that incentivize electric vehicle home charging during off-peak energy demand hours and that help address drivers’ range anxiety.

CPS Energy said the addition of the two new programs for customers who charge their EV at home is in line with its Flexible Path strategy.

With the introduction of its FlexEV brand, “the utility recognizes the need to improve the environment by being a major supporter of EV adoption. CPS Energy is therefore unveiling new products and services to encourage drivers to consider alternative vehicles,” it said.

Under the FlexEV Smart Rewards program, participants will receive a one-time $250 enrollment credit on their utility bill. The customer will also receive a $5 monthly credit, equivalent to about 120 miles of driving, for allowing CPS Energy to remotely connect and carefully manage the customer’s charging device, as needed.  This would only occur when energy demand is high, between the hours of 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Specifically, if needed, CPS Energy would manage the flow of energy to the charger to help take pressure off the grid, the utility said.

Under the FlexEV Off-Peak Rewards program, a participant will receive a one-time $125 enrollment credit on their utility bill. The customer will also receive a $10 monthly credit for voluntarily choosing to limit charging to no more than two times a month between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.

CPS Energy noted that it has 76 local ChargePoint charging stations in its FlexEV Public Charging program. In support of public charging, the utility’s program includes a flat-rate pilot program. This program has an annual fee of $96 for unlimited access to charging stations at any time of day or night.

If customers do not subscribe to the flat rate pilot program, they can still use the charging stations on a pay-as-you-go basis.