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Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in California is enhancing its grid interconnection capabilities using a cloud-based Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS). This initiative targets customers with dynamic power requirements, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and large-scale battery systems.
The company’s innovative Flexible Service Connection (Flex Connect) integrates the DERMS developed in partnership with Microsoft and Schneider Electric. This system efficiently manages power demand according to when energy supply is most abundant. By connecting to a site’s energy management system, it provides a daily forecast of power limits, enabling customers to plan for their energy use proactively.
Flex Connect allows clean energy infrastructure projects to connect to the grid without the delays typically associated with capacity upgrades, which PG&E can implement on its own schedule.
“Our new Flexible Service Connection offering provides tailored solutions that accommodate customers’ immediate requirements, facilitating connection without relying on conventional infrastructure upgrades,” explained Mike Delaney, PG&E’s VP of utility partnerships and innovation. He acknowledged Schneider Electric as a key collaborator in these developments.
“We’ve now created a framework that other utilities can easily replicate,” Delaney noted.
PG&E has already deployed over 6,300 EV charging ports across Northern and Central California through its infrastructure initiatives. The introduction of Flex Connect is expected to accelerate this growth, especially as the demand for electrification rises.
To date, PG&E has successfully expedited the connection of four sites utilizing the Flex Connect system, with more projects on the horizon.
Tesla Demonstrates Adaptive Power Needs
In early 2024, PG&E announced that Tesla applied for electric services for several new Supercharger stations situated along major highways. However, PG&E indicated that grid upgrades to supply adequate power to these locations would require several years.
By adopting a more flexible approach to their power needs, Tesla can achieve quicker connections for these new fast charging stations. For instance, if Tesla requires 2 megawatts (MW) for a Supercharger site and the grid can generally supply this demand, there may be instances of insufficient availability, such as peak summer evenings. Tesla has the option to either wait for the grid improvements to ensure consistent power supply or utilize the Flex Connect system. This system enables the site to connect to PG&E’s grid and DERMS, adjusting power availability based on forecasted conditions. This arrangement allows Tesla to receive near-constant access to the required 2 MW nearly all of the time.
This model aligns with findings from a recent study conducted by Duke University.
The implementation of Flex Connect has allowed Tesla to enhance capacity at two new Supercharger sites in Santa Nella and Upper Lake, California, with additional expansions anticipated.
PepsiCo Enhances EV Fleet Charging Capacity
In another case study, PepsiCo’s Fresno, California, bottling facility recently engaged with PG&E’s Flex Connect to gain faster access to grid capacity. This upgrade has enabled the facility to expand its electric semi-truck fleet charging from around 30 trucks to its full capacity of 50.
Initially, the site was restricted to a 3 MW capacity overnight, with no access during the day while waiting for infrastructure enhancements. With the introduction of Flex Connect, the facility is now able to receive up to 4.5 MW most of the time, based on grid conditions, significantly improving daytime charging options. This flexible interconnection solution allowed PG&E to provide the additional capacity 18 months sooner than anticipated.
By activating 20 more trucks ahead of schedule, PepsiCo estimates a reduction of approximately 8,000 tons of CO2 emissions and savings of around $1 million in fuel costs, utilizing Tesla’s Semi Truck Analysis Tool for regional emissions and cost details. PepsiCo anticipates further EV fleet sites will utilize Flex Connect to support its overarching sustainability objectives.
Exploring Additional Applications
Beyond accelerating EV charging connections, PG&E is applying its DERMS in various other projects, including flexible generation interconnection and capacity deferral strategies, which help avoid expensive upgrades and improve grid efficiency.
In late 2022, PG&E implemented its first DERMS-integrated lithium-ion battery energy storage system at a substation close to Yuba City, California. Plans are underway to operationalize a second DERMS-controlled battery storage system by mid-2025 in Kern County, where there is excess solar energy generation. This approach allows the storage of surplus solar energy for later use instead of letting it go to waste, while also postponing the necessity for costly substation upgrades and prolonging the lifespan of existing infrastructure.
As part of its long-term strategy, PG&E aims to broaden its DERMS capabilities to incorporate additional load management initiatives, such as Demand Response and Vehicle-Grid Integration programs.
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www.renewableenergyworld.com