Join PowerShift

What is PowerShift?

An opportunity to test a new, exciting technology that will help reduce electricity costs for everyone
Participants can receive a Level 2 EV Charger and $500 Efficiency Vermont rebate once their charger has been installed and connected to internet with a schedule set (subject to availability).
Setting a schedule will help you avoid using energy during peak times by charging your battery when operational costs are lower and the electric grid is powered by cleaner sources.
Watch the video for a helpful explanation

How to Join

Contact Washington Electric Co-Op (WEC) or Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA) to have your current transformer load assessed and determine your eligibility.
- WEC members: (802) 224-2329, toll free, 1 (800) 932-5245, or [email protected]
- VPPSA utility customers*: (802) 244-7678 or [email protected]
If a transformer upgrade is necessary, you will be informed of potential upgrade costs. Once the transformer is available** for installation, you will receive a participation agreement to sign.
Receive free EV charger, and arrange installation with your electrician.
Connect the EV charger and set the schedule. Once the schedule is verified, a check will be mailed to you within 60 days.

*includes: Barton Electric Department, Village of Enosburg Falls, Hardwick Electric Department, Jacksonville Electric Company, Village of Johnson Electric Department, Ludlow Electric Light Department, Lyndonville Electric Department, Morrisville Water & Light, Northfield Electric Department, Orleans Electric, and Swanton Village Electric Department.

**Supply chain delays have impacted transformer shipments, which may affect customers’ ability and timing to add new large electric loads to their homes.

Why do we need to shift power?

When peak demand is high, it causes increased operational costs and that can impact electricity rates. Most electricity is used when we get home and settle into our evening routines (dinner, laundry, TV, etc.).

The solution: shift the times that grid-enabled devices use energy. Technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) can be enabled to flex their usage patterns to times when utility costs are lowest and powered by the cleanest sources. If we can shift energy use to a different time of the day, we can keep rates lower for everyone.

What should I know about EV Charging?

EV Chargers are also known as EVSEs or Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, electric recharging points or just charging points. The Level 2 chargers that are enrolled in Powershift will charge at specific times when energy is less expensive, (shifting usage away from peak energy times), though you will be able to override this setting if necessary.

Adding a large electric load to your house (like charging an EV with a level 2 EV charger, installing a heat pump, induction range, solar/net metering, etc.) may require upgrades to your circuit breaker or the transformer serving your house. Adding large electric loads without taking account of the capacity of the existing transformer may lead to emergency outages, and additional cost to the customer causing the outage. In some cases, these upgrades will need to be made at your own expense.

Want to learn more? Read our Frequently asked questions.

Contact your utility if you are thinking about adding a Level 2 charger, solar, or another large electric load to your home:

WEC members: call (802) 224-2329, or toll free 1 (800) 932-5245, or [email protected]

VPPSA utility customers: (802) 244-7678 or [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

How does PowerShift work?

Participants have their EV chargers set up to flex how energy is used. Your electric vehicle charger will be on a daily schedule to use energy when utility costs are lowest and powered by the cleanest energy sources, and not draw from dirtier sources when energy demand is at its peak. Your EV charger will be throttled down during this time and charge your battery when costs are lowest. You will still be able to override your EV charging time if need be. Being flexible helps lower costs for all Vermont residents and reduces peak demands by sharing the “storage” capacity available in level 2 chargers.

Do energy peaks occur daily or does it only happen once in a while?

Energy peaks occur daily, but the costly ones are monthly and annually. Because forecasting these peaks is difficult, EV chargers will default to charge between 10PM and 3PM the next day (a daily setting) to avoid peak times.

How do I get a charger installed and what will it cost?

The Level 2 charger is provided at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. While participants are responsible for the cost of installation and any electrical upgrades that may be necessary, Efficiency Vermont provides up to $500 (subject to change without notice) to help cover the cost of installation and connection to the PowerShift program. Chargers must be installed by a licensed electrician and the installation must meet code requirements. Installation is estimated to be $500 - $1,500 depending on the complexity of the installation and any code deficiencies which must also be remedied. If your home panel is not able to accommodate a level 2 charger, and you are a VPPSA member utility customer, you may be eligible to receive funding for electrical upgrades if your household meets income qualifications.

Note: additional costs may be incurred if the electrical service or transformer need to be upgraded. Adding large electric loads without taking account of the capacity of the existing transformer may lead to emergency outages, and additional cost to the customer causing the outage. Washington Electric Co-Op members' transformer upgrade costs are estimated to be $400 - $1,500 (subject to change without notice), depending on incremental cost of upgrades. VPPSA utility customers will be informed of any transformer upgrade costs prior to enrollment. Let VPPSA or WEC know if you plan to add solar and enroll in net metering as it may change your transformer upgrade recommendations.

I already have an EV charger at my home, can I participate?

Yes. If you have a qualified Level 2 ChargePoint or FLO charger, you may be able to connect to the program. Contact your utility to find out if your charger qualifies.

WEC members: call (802) 224-2329, or toll free 1 (800) 932-5245, or [email protected]

VPPSA utility customers: (802) 244-7678 or [email protected]

Does PowerShift shift energy costs from one person to another?

No. PowerShift is intended to keep customers’ utility usage and bills the same. If successful, utilities are expected to save operational costs from this effort. These operational costs will help reduce rates for everyone.