Latest news with #SnohomishCountyPublicUtilityDistrict
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Don't Sweat It: New Electric Era EV Chargers Help Cut Carbon Emissions and Save Energy, So You Can Keep Cool This Summer
Electric Era's patented battery backed power-conditioned DC fast chargers eliminate peak grid load for more energy efficient charging and reduced utility grid impact and energy costs. SEATTLE, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As sweltering summer heat waves crisscross America, one EV charging company is doing its part to be a good neighbor and helping homeowners stay cool by using 70% less peak energy to charge vehicles at nearby stores and shopping malls. That's important as the average homeowner will shell out nearly $800 this summer to stay cool – a 6% increase over last year. It's a vicious cycle as electric utilities scramble to meet peak demand by building more carbon-emitting peaker generators, passing costs on to customers. To help mitigate peak power demand and save nearby utility customers money on their energy bills, the Seattle-based Electric Era EV charging system manufacturer developed a patented battery-backed DC fast charger that cuts peak power consumption up to 70% – enough to give back the equivalent of 700 homes worth of power. 'No matter what you drive, whether it's an EV or gas vehicle, homes and businesses shoulder the costs to expand the electric grid. That's why we designed our EV chargers to significantly reduce the impact on the local energy grid,' said Electric Era CEO Quincy Lee. 'Our goal is to cut the carbon emissions that lead to higher summer temperatures without having a negative financial impact on the communities we serve.' Serving Local EV Customers Without Increasing Electric CostsMinimizing peak power demand was top-of-mind last year when the State of Washington and the Snohomish County Public Utility District (SNOPUD) evaluated competing level-3 charging options to use for the state's Climate Commitment Act program. They chose Electric Era for their first co-funded DCFC installation in Arlington, WA, in part, because the company was able to install an eight-stall 200 kW charging system using existing electric infrastructure. Not only did that save nearby rate payers money, it also dramatically reduced the amount of time it took for Electric Era to install the chargers – from years to just eight months. It also cut operating costs upwards of 70% for EV charge site developer Skycharger, by drawing power from both the battery and the grid simultaneously to cut peak demand charges. 'The project's use of innovative battery technology made it possible to provide power to the chargers without the need for increased capacity or expensive upgrades,' utility spokesperson Aaron Swaney said. 'We're thrilled that Electric Era will help us support EV customers in our service area with minimal impact on our residential and business customers.' Shave the Peaks, and Save the Ice CreamThe 'secret sauce' behind Electric Era's DC fast chargers is the battery-backed power conditioning that shaves off peak energy loads when customers charge their cars with a low state of charge (near empty for gas cars). Peak power is what electric utilities design for – and it's what drives up nearby electric utility costs, and adds months, if not years, to the time it takes to install Level-3 DC fast charging systems, which is critical to expanding EV use in the U.S. The idea of peak power reduction is not new, but making it work successfully from the charger location is, and many states are looking into what they call 'grid supportive transportation electrification' to use power conditioning systems like Electric Era's to minimize grid expansion expenditures and to use less high carbon-emitting peaker power plants. A 2023 Distribution Grid Electrification study by the California Public Advocates (CPA) Office estimates that expanding the state's electric grid to support EV charging alone might cost up to $51 billion over the next decade, however, those costs could be cut in half by shifting EV charging away from peak demand times and using power conditioned EV chargers to 'shave off' peak power loads. Load balancing is expected to become a key ingredient to breaking down the barriers to EV adoption by mitigating the impact of EV charging on the nation's antiquated electric grid – and further slowing the cycle of carbon emissions causing record summer temperatures, leading to more energy consumption and higher electric costs for consumers and small businesses. 'The notion that the nation's electric grid cannot handle the load of EVs is another myth that's ready to be busted,' Lee said. 'Yes, we can have lower carbon transportation and we can also have air conditioning and cold ice cream – it doesn't need to be an either-or proposition.' About Electric EraWith a vision to accelerate the world into the electric era of zero-emissions transportation through rapid innovations and market disruption, Electric Era is the only full-service EV charging solutions provider focused on the rapid deployment of highly reliable Level-3 DCFC systems at retail locations to grow and extend their retail space. Electric Era's patented battery-backed charging architecture and bespoke, private-label charging solutions deliver industry-leading power and reliability in a package that dramatically reduces installation time and energy costs. Learn more at Electric Era on X: @ElectricEraTechFollow Electric Era on LinkedIn: Linkedin/company/electric-era
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Snohomish PUD customers to see higher electricity bills as rate hikes take effect
The Brief Snohomish County PUD customers will see higher electricity bills starting in April. The utility cites severe storms, inflation and winter weather as reasons for the increase. For some, the hike means tough financial choices. SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. - Snohomish County Public Utility District customers will see higher electricity bills starting in April as the utility adjusts rates to cover significant financial losses from extreme weather events and inflation. The PUD board of commissioners approved the rate increase, citing the impact of severe storms and winter weather that cost the utility millions in restoration efforts. The primary driver behind the rate hike is the extreme weather the region experienced in 2024. January's sub-freezing temperatures on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend led to skyrocketing energy market prices, costing the PUD an additional $45 million. In November, a powerful bomb cyclone resulted in widespread power outages, leading to $16 million in restoration costs. Local customers are already feeling the pinch from inflation, and the added utility costs are yet another burden. What they're saying For some, the hike means tough financial choices. Meadowdale resident Sue O'Hare echoed similar frustrations. "We used to be able to go out to eat for $20, now it's $50," O'Hare said. "I try not to look at [my electricity bill], but I know it's over $100." Belle Moore, a Shoreline resident, pays about $70 a month for electricity. While she's not impacted by PUD she isn't pleased about the increase. "The rate payers always get in the shorts," Moore said. By the numbers The increase will impact the daily base charge: Single-family homes will see an average increase of $6.40 per month. Multifamily homes and apartments will pay about $4 more per month. Small businesses can expect an increase of approximately 80 cents per day. Snohomish PUD Lead Communication Specialist Aaron Swaney said 2024 was a challenging year for utilities across the region. "We've done a lot of cost-cutting measures to try to keep this rate increase as low as possible," Swaney said. The PUD had a 5.8% rate increase in 2024 after several years without one. Inflationary pressures, supply chain issues, and severe weather events have contributed to the need for these adjustments. "The rate payers always get in the shorts," said Moore. "It's going to hurt, people are hurting from all over. If you have senior citizens that can't stretch," "We faced significant challenges in 2024, and I'm proud of how the organization worked together to minimize this rate increase," John Haarlow, PUD CEO/General Manager said in a statement released Monday. "We recognize the impact cost increases can have on our customers and remain committed to providing reliable and environmentally sustainable power." Puget Sound Energy also recently announced its own rate hikes. Earlier this month, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved PSE's two-year General Rate Case plan, which took effect on Jan. 29. PSE filed its rate increase request in February 2024. Electricity increased by 11.5% in 2024, with another 6.4% hike coming in 2026. Gas prices went up by 10.6%, with an additional 1.8% increase expected in 2026. For a typical residential electric customer using 800 kWh per month, the increase will be about $13.08 in 2025, bringing the average bill to $122.16. Another $7.67 increase is expected in 2026. Gas customers using 64 therms per month will see an increase of about $7.56 in 2025, with a smaller rise in 2026. "Where do you cut?" Moore said. "You got to eat, you got to pay rent or mortgage, you have to provide, you have to survive, but on the other end, the utility has to make things work." According to PSE, the increases are necessary to maintain essential utility services, invest in infrastructure, and comply with state-mandated clean energy goals. The plan includes projects like the $530 million Beaver Creek wind farm, long-term power purchase agreements to replace coal-fired generation, and upgrades to the electric grid to improve reliability and wildfire prevention. What's next Snohomish PUD says it has funds set aside for future weather events, but it's too early to determine whether additional increases will be necessary. For now, this hike will cover the budget through March 2026. Both PUD and PSE encourage customers to explore assistance programs if they're struggling to pay their bills. PSE's programs include: Bill Discount Rate: Income-qualified customers can receive up to 45% off their bill. Past Due Bill Forgiveness: Customers making on-time payments can have portions of their past due balance forgiven, up to $2,500. Home Weatherization Programs: Free energy-saving home upgrades for income-qualified customers. Payment Arrangements: Flexible options to manage payments. More information on PSE's assistance programs is available at Customers looking to lower their energy usage can also explore rebates and efficiency programs at The PUD urges customers struggling with their bills to explore available assistance programs, including income-qualified discounts of 25% or 50%. More information is available at "We have great customer tools," Swaney said. "We have really robust income-qualified assistance programs that offer 25 or 50% off bills." The Source Information in this story came from the Snohomish County Public Utility District and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. 3 arrested, charged in connection to Renton, WA beauty store thefts First electric fire truck in WA unveiled in Redmond King County Metro purchase of 120 Teslas faces scrutiny Trump names Washington's Joe Kent to lead counterterrorism agency Armed suspect arrested after barricading in Thurston County, WA home Rare, endangered Malayan tapir calf born at Point Defiance Zoo in WA To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
