Energy Commission Hosts Webinar to Update Vehicle-Grid Roadmap

The California Energy Commission will hold the first in a series of public webinars and workshops Sept. 6 to update the 2014 Vehicle-Grid Integration Roadmap, which identifies creative ways electric vehicles can help increase the stability and reliability of the electric grid.

Vehicle-grid technology allows plug-in electric vehicles to return energy to the grid to help balance load fluctuations during periods of heavy demand. These fluctuations are usually managed by ramping large generators up and down. Since electric vehicles can store or discharge electricity when parked, they can be readily available sources of energy.

But the process is not as simple as plugging an electric vehicle into a charger and reversing the flow of electricity. To ensure vehicle-grid technology is effectively integrated with the grid, new regulatory policies, standards, and business practices must be established, smart communication and control systems have to be developed and demonstrated, and market costs and benefits must be assessed.

During the webinar, representatives from the Energy Commission, California Independent System Operator, California Public Utilities Commission, California Air Resources Board and other state and associated agencies will discuss advancements in vehicle-grid technology. They will also seek feedback on technical, financial, policy barriers that could hinder greater and equitable access to plug-in electric vehicles.

The update will also examine vehicle-grid integration actions that California can take to advance its goal of having at least five million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2030, as well as a significant increase in the charging and refueling infrastructure to power these vehicles.

Details on how to participate is in the webinar notice.