Ofgem supports need for higher peak time electric vehicle charging fees to help meet demand

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Ofgem has set out proposals to help support the expected huge numbers of electric vehicles and taxis set for Britain’s roads in the coming decades in a bid to keep costs down for drivers and all energy consumers.

The energy watchdog suggests a more flexible use of the energy system will allow more electric vehicles to be charged from the existing grid and reduce the need for expensive new power stations and extra grid capacity to be built. The energy system is undergoing a radical transformation thanks to such new technologies while more electricity is coming from intermittent renewable sources. According to Ofgem analysis published today if owners use ‘flexible’ charging - where they only top up outside peak demand times on the grid – at least 60% more EVs could be charged up compared with ‘inflexible’ charging where electric vehicles are only charged at peak times.*Flexible charging does this by allowing electric vehicles to be charged when energy prices are cheapest, for example when wind and solar power is generating lots of electricity or when there is less demand across the system.Flexible charging also helps to keep energy costs down for all consumers as technology allows stored electricity from electric vehicle batteries to be sent back onto the grid when it is needed. Ofgem’s proposed reforms will give incentives for customers to charge their electric vehicles at the right time. The reforms will free up existing grid capacity to allow new generators, including businesses or other organisations which want to generate their own power on-site, to get connected to the grid more quickly. The reforms would make the electricity system more efficient by giving generators and other users more choice and flexibility on how they connect to the grid.Jonathan Brearley, executive director, systems and networks, Ofgem, said: “Ofgem is working with the government to support the electric vehicle revolution in Britain which can bring big benefits to consumers. Our reforms will help more users charge their electric vehicles and save them money. “The proposals we have announced today will also harness the benefits of electric vehicles and other new technologies to help manage the energy system and keep costs down for all consumers. “The way we generate, transport and use electricity – and power our cars - is undergoing a radical transformation in Great Britain.“Ofgem will ensure that the energy system is fit for this exciting, cleaner future and at the lowest cost for consumers.”

July 26, 2018 at 11:11AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT