The number of electric vehicles on U.S. roads will increase rapidly over the next 20 years, requiring utilities accurately forecast the effects charging will have on long-term utility peak demand. New forecasting methods that measure EV coincident peak demand can be used to accommodate this rapid growth.
In the near future, it will be essential for utilities to accurately forecast the effect EV charging will have on long-term utility peak demand. Not since the onset of air conditioning has one single factor figured so prominently in long-term forecasts of utility peak demand. Underestimating this demand would have costly implications for both utilities and their customers.
Once future EV penetration and charging load are better understood, utilities can more accurately estimate and manage the EV coincident peak demand to minimize the impact to utility peak demand. With the right technology and proper management, EV load can even become a strategic asset.
Authored by Jon Summerville, Travis Bouslog, PE, & Doug Houseman