Washington Electric Co-op members help keep electric rates lower for the whole community by taking advantage of these PowerShift offers.
EV chargers
Get a free Level 2 EV charger, a $500 rebate from Efficiency Vermont, and a $10 monthly bill credit from Washington Electric Co-op when you enroll in the PowerShift program. Your EV charger will be programmed to draw electricity during off-peak hours, which helps reduce load on the electric grid. If you already have a Level 2 charger, you may be eligible to enroll your EV and receive a one-time $100 enrollment rebate from Efficiency Vermont.
To enroll, call Washington Electric Co-op at 802-223-5245 or visit washingtonelectric.coop/flexible-load.
Bidirectional EV charging
Bidirectional EV chargers allow your home to charge your car or your car to charge your home. That means your home could have a backup power source during power outages. Homeowners with qualifying electric vehicles can enroll in a pilot program to test new charging technology and get a free charger. Learn more and apply today.
Integrated controls pilot
Enroll in Efficiency Vermont’s integrated controls pilot to help test the next generation of home heating and cooling technology. Integrated controls can make your HVAC system easier to use and reduce heating and cooling costs by allowing your heat pump to operate with your existing heating system through a single thermostat. Apply today!
Why is it important to shift power?
The demand on the electric grid changes throughout the day. When lots of people are using lots of electricity at once, it creates electricity “peaks.” During a peak event, electricity is more expensive, and electric utilities often have to draw on non-renewable energy sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does EV charging with PowerShift work?
Your EV or EV charger will be programmed to use energy when utility costs are lowest and powered by the cleanest energy sources. Your EV charging may be reduced or delayed during high-demand hours to charge your battery when costs are lowest. You will still be able to override your EV charging if needed. Being flexible helps lower costs for all Vermonters and reduces peak demands by shifting when you use energy.
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 it’s difficult to forecast these large peaks, 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 required, Efficiency Vermont provides up to $500 (subject to change without notice) to help cover the cost of installation and connection. Chargers must be installed to code by a licensed electrician. Installation costs are estimated to be $800 to $2,000 depending on the complexity of the work.
Note: Additional costs may be incurred if the electrical service needs to be upgraded.
Does PowerShift shift energy costs from one person to another?
No. The amount of electricity you use will stay the same. By shifting energy use away from peak demand periods, this program helps reduce overall energy system costs, supporting a more reliable grid and helping keep electricity rates lower for everyone.
What else do I need to know about installing an EV charger or other electrical equipment?
Adding a large electric load to your house (like a Level 2 EV charger) may require upgrades to your electrical service. Contact an electrician to determine if your electric panel has the available capacity to accommodate a charger. Washington Electric Co-op may contact you after you sign up to determine if a transformer upgrade is needed.
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