Delaware Electric and Optiwatt expand pilot partnership

Delaware Electric Cooperative and Optiwatt, a telematics-based managed charging platform, announced the expansion of their partnered smart EV charging pilot that will help meet increased energy demand as more Delaware drivers adopt electric vehicles.

Optiwatt and DEC are extending their partnership due to the success of the first round, which began May 1 and concluded Sept. 30. The partnership invites EV owners across the Delaware region to participate in the Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Pilot, a test program which monitors, automates and manages customers’ EV charging needs in balance with grid demands. Users are incentivized with a one-time $100 reward per vehicle after sign-up, as well as an ongoing $5 monthly billing credit during the summer. Credit is paid directly by DEC.

“We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with DEC,” said Casey Donahue, Optiwatt founder and CEO. “The first round of studies we conducted went extremely well, so we’re looking forward to conducting a follow-up and getting even more of the Delaware community involved. In a time when electric vehicles are more prominent than ever, research like this is hugely important to the further development of the industry.”

To enroll, participants must download the free Optiwatt app for iOS, Android and web, from the Google Play or Apple App store, or visit the managed charging page at delaware.coop. The application will automatically enroll eligible participants in the program thereafter.

“Optiwatt is playing an important role in our cooperative’s efforts to lower demand costs for our 115,000 members,”  said Lucas Zlock, DEC manager of energy service. “While the program started as a pilot program this summer, more than 100 members have already enrolled. Their participation means we now have an additional 750 kW of shiftable load which could reduce demand costs for our members by tens of thousands of dollars per year. In 2024, we expect to more broadly market the program with a goal of doubling participation.”

For more information, go to optiwatt.com/faq/dec.