Cristina Botero

Cristina Botero’s Session(s):

10:45 am–11:30 am | Wed, March 26, 2025

Tackling Operational Challenges: Education and Communication Insights to Help Utilities Best Support Their Customers

As the electrification of fleets increases, utilities are expecting a tremendous amount of load growth on the grid. In talking with several utilities, approximately 85% of the interconnections can move forward to install reliable charging infrastructure. The misconception is that utilities are unable to handle the new load requirements. In actuality, the majority of the connections can be made without hefty infrastructure improvements. In cases of grid congestion, new tools are becoming available to the utility and the customer to manage the load. Namely, these solutions can include site energy efficiency improvements, automated load management, flexible connections, and stationary energy storage.

Discussion topics include:

• How to engage early with customers to discuss energy solutions that benefit both the customer and the grid and provide regular feedback on energy usage with new EV loads.
• Effective tools and strategies to communicate energy management solutions clearly and support customer understanding.
• Prioritize customer education on managing EV charging to avoid peak times and support grid stability.
• Integrate renewable energy solutions to enhance grid resilience and promote sustainable energy use with EV adoption.