Ava Community Energy, in collaboration with Optiwatt, has recently introduced a groundbreaking program in California that rewards electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid drivers for charging their vehicles during times when electricity on the grid is both cleaner and cheaper. This initiative, known as the Ava SmartHome Charging program, offers drivers the opportunity to earn up to $100 in incentives within the first year of enrollment. Additionally, participants can potentially save around $140 annually on their energy bills by shifting their charging habits to off-peak hours.
By downloading the Optiwatt app, which is available for free on iOS, Android, and web platforms, EV and PHEV owners who are Ava customers can seamlessly connect their vehicles and allow the app to autonomously schedule charging sessions during low-demand periods when more renewable energy sources are available, typically overnight or during off-peak hours. Howard Chang, the CEO of Ava Community Energy, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Ava is on a mission to provide 100% clean energy to our customers by 2030. This new program helps us get there by giving people an easy way to charge on more renewable energy while simultaneously saving money.”
Enrolled drivers receive a $75 bonus upon joining the program, with the opportunity to earn an additional $25 per year for continued participation. Optiwatt’s advanced algorithms ensure that charging is efficiently shifted to off-peak times, taking into account individual schedules and preferences of each customer. Casey Donahue, the founder of Optiwatt, emphasized the benefits of the program, stating, “We can move a lot of energy use to cleaner, more affordable times by using smart algorithms and the growing EV base. That benefits every Ava customer.”
The program is open to most EVs and plug-in hybrids, with a simple sign-up process through the Optiwatt app and a quick verification procedure to get started. Ava Community Energy aims to enroll at least 5,000 vehicles by the end of 2025, as part of a broader strategy to establish a virtual power plant (VPP) using Lunar Energy’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform, Gridshare. Through this initiative, Ava will be able to coordinate energy from EVs, home batteries, and other sources to enhance grid resilience and promote sustainable energy practices.
Founded in 2018, Ava Community Energy currently serves 2 million individuals in Alameda County, California, as well as the cities of Tracy, Stockton, and Lathrop. This innovative program represents a significant step towards achieving the company’s goal of providing clean energy to all customers by 2030, while empowering drivers to contribute to a more sustainable future.
