Frequently Asked Questions

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The SMECO EV Recharge program began in 2019 with plans to install up to 60 public charging stations across the service area to provide accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging. To build on the EV adoption effort, SMECO has added three new programs to EV Recharge: Managed Charging, Charging Data Access, and Off-Peak Savings. 

The new programs within SMECO EV Recharge are designed to make electric vehicle adoption more accessible, convenient, and affordable. This program offers incentives to residential SMECO members that help SMECO maintain a healthy electrical grid while EV adoption increases.

What is the SMECO EV Recharge program?

Which EV chargers and EVs qualify for the Managed Charging, Charging Data Access or Off-peak Savings offers?

See the chart below for eligible charging equipment and eligible EVs. Your charger must be installed and activated with internet connectivity prior to enrollment. Your Wi-Fi connection and EV charger must be connected to your manufacturer’s account.

• Tesla vehicles are controlled during demand response events via the vehicle’s onboard computer, not by a charging station.
• All sub-models of the CPH50 are eligible including all plug types, connector types and hardwire/plug-in.

How will I know if I’m eligible to enroll?

See eligibility requirements below. Please note that you are only eligible to enroll in one of the following program offerings.

Can I switch from one SMECO EV Recharge program to another?

If you unenroll from one of the programs (Managed Charging, Charging Data Access, or Off-peak Savings), you must wait at least one year before you may be eligible to participate in one of the other SMECO EV Recharge programs.

Can I enroll multiple chargers or vehicles?

Yes! If you have 2 or more types of chargers or EVs, you need to enroll each type separately. If you have 2 or more of the same type of charger or EV, you just need to enroll once.

If I own a Tesla vehicle, do I need to buy a specific charger to participate in the program?

No, Tesla owners can enroll with or without a charger as their vehicles are controlled for demand response events via the onboard computer or telematics within the Tesla.

Where can I learn more about eligible chargers?

For more information about the charging equipment listed above, please visit the manufacturers’ websites. Customers must have one of the chargers listed above or a Tesla to be eligible for the program at this time, with additional makes and models potentially added later.

Upon submitting my application, when will I be notified of my status in the program?

SMECO will provide email confirmation of your status in the program, typically within four weeks of applying.

How will I receive my program incentive?

Managed Charging

For signing up for this program, you will receive $120 in annual bill credits. You will receive these bill credits in installments of $10 per month, starting within 3-4 weeks of confirmed enrollment. The program will run through December 31, 2025. You will continue to earn an ongoing bill credit of $10 per month for your participation. This ongoing bill credit will be dispersed monthly. The program will run through December 31, 2025. 

Charging Data Access

The program incentive of $50 will be issued in the form of an electric bill credit paid on your enrollment anniversary. For every year you remain in the program, you will receive an additional annual bill credit. The program will run through December 31, 2025.

Off-peak Savings

If you’ve enrolled in the Off-peak Savings offering, your rates will be applied to your bill monthly. These are the costs for charging: 

Summer (May-Sept)

• On Peak: $0.16569 per kWh
• Off Peak: $0.07442 per kWh
  

Winter (Oct-Apr)

• On Peak: $0.15004 per kWh
• Off Peak: $0.07794 per kWh

When should I charge my EV for maximum savings if I’m in the Off-peak Savings program?

Summer (May – September) off-peak charging is charging your vehicle outside of the hours of 2pm to 7pm on weekdays.

Summer off-peak times are weekdays: 

• 12 midnight to 2pm
• 7pm to 12 midnight 

Winter (October - April) off-peak charging is charging your vehicle outside of the hours of 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm on weekdays.

Winter off-peak times are weekdays: 

• 12 midnight to 6am
• 9am to 5pm
• 8pm to 12 midnight
  

This excludes weekends and holidays which are billed at the off-peak rates. Holidays include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Where can I find the terms and conditions for this program?

You can find the program terms and conditions for the EV/EVSE charging manufacturers here: 

Tesla via SmartCar: 

• Managed Charging
• Charging Data Access 
• Off-peak Savings

ChargePoint: 

• Managed Charging
• Charging Data Access 
• Off-peak Savings

Wallbox:

• Managed Charging
• Charging Data Access 
• Off-peak Savings

Emporia: 

• Managed Charging
• Charging Data Access 
• Off-peak Savings

EvoCharge: 

• Managed Charging
  
• Charging Data Access 
• Off-peak Savings

Toyota:

• Charging Data Access 
• Off-peak Savings

Lexus:

• Charging Data Access
• Off-peak Savings

If I join Managed Charging, how will I know that an event is in progress?

Depending on the manufacturer, notifications may appear before or at the start of the event in your web or mobile application. You can also download the ChargingRewards app to track rewards and check your charging status.

If I join Managed Charging, how will my EV charger be adjusted?

We’ll schedule your charging to help manage load on the electric grid. This will replace any charging schedule you have set for your vehicle. If your plans change, you can override and charge right away at any time.

Will participating in Managed Charging negatively impact my vehicle receiving a full charge?

Energy adjustment events will either temporarily slow or delay the vehicle charging. Managed Charging is designed to always make sure you get the charge you need at the time you need it.

Am I allowed to opt out of Managed Charging demand response events?

Yes. At any time during an adjustment, you can opt out from your charger manufacturer’s web or mobile app. You will forfeit your monthly incentive after opting out of Managed Charging three or more times. 

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the program?

Email us at smeco-ev@energyhub.net

Will I be notified of Managed Charging events?

Manufacturers may or may not provide notifications prior to an adjustment. SMECO does not control event notifications, which are set by the manufacturer. For more information on notifications, please visit the manufacturer’s website.

How do I unenroll?

Send an email to smeco-ev@energyhub.net requesting to end your participation in the SMECO EV Recharge program.

What if I replace my charger and still wish to remain enrolled?

If you replace your charger with a product from the same brand, it is advisable to contact your charger manufacturer to ensure a seamless reconnection to the program.

If you decide to replace your charger with a different brand, the process involves unenrolling by reaching out to smeco-ev@energyhub.net to request the termination of your participation. Following unenrollment, you can proceed to enroll your new device in the program.

Where can I find the tariff documents for these programs?

Charging Data Access and Managed Charging

Off-Peak Savings