California Looks To Ensure Power For Electric & Plug-In Cars

By Justin Cupler

Justin Cupler

Contributing Writer BIO

I have been a freelance writer since 2009. I have primarily written automotive how-to and review articles during my time as a writer. I own a 2004... More

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2,128 views Jul 15, 2011

2011 Chevrolet Volt

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California has pioneered much of the clean-air legislation in the country, and it's leading the push for zero-emission electric and plug-in vehicles.

But the state has also highlighted a commonly overlooked concern that shifting to all-electric or plug-in hybrid cars might present.

If enough residents in a given neighborhood convert to plug-in vehicles, it could place added strain on the local power grid -- specifically on local transformers. If the equipment isn't upgraded as more plug-ins arrive, overload on the transformers could eventually lead to localized power outages.

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission instructed local utility companies to collaborate with electric automakers to come up with ways to prevent localized blackouts. The neighborhoods most likely to convert to electric or plug-in hybrid cars are informally called "Prius clusters."

The coordination between utility companies and automakers has already begun, as both General Motors and Nissan have agreed to give California utility companies the addresses of Volt and Leaf buyers – with the buyer’s permission, of course.

2011 Nissan Leaf at quick-charging station

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This coordination and the eventual upgrades needed to handle the extra electricity will not come free. Though the costs of the needed upgrades are not yet known, the commission did decide that the utility's customer base will pay for all of the upgrades. The commission should have a more exact idea of the cost and funding outline in mid-2013.

An influx of plug-in vehicles will not only impact local grids, but the state’s power grid as a whole may experience issues if the rate of conversion to plug-in vehicles expands more rapidly than research shows.

Dan Bowermaster, head of electric vehicle planning for Pacific Gas and Electric Co, appears confident in the state's electrical grid, stating “The grid can handle it” and “It’s just about proper planning.” Only time will tell for certain, but it appears that California is prepared for the slow shift toward electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

[San Francisco Chronicle]

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