Intelligent energy network provider GridPoint recently revealed a new grid-interactive electric vehicle (EV) charging system for small and mid-sized commercial buildings.
According to GridPoint, the technology “takes a whole building approach to managing customers’ peak demand charges.” The company explained the smart-charging system analyzes and manages load across several controllable, grid-interactive assets – such as HVAC, lighting, and now EV chargers – from a single platform.
“EV charging is becoming an increasingly common feature in commercial buildings across the country with new infrastructure investments, shifting policies, and growing consumer demand,” remarked GridPoint CEO Mark Danzenbaker. “We’re helping small and mid-sized commercial sites understand and control their EV charging stations and other on-site energy resources using one integrated system.”
GridPoint observed that buildings throughout the United States – such as car dealerships, chain restaurants, and grocery stores – are increasingly installing onsite EV chargers. They do not necessary fully understand how the new charging installations will affect their energy expenses, the firm added. It contends that its technology platform ensures that EV chargers and other assets operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
“Our smart charging, building-centric approach ensures that an entire building is working as a unit in order to optimize savings and reduce demand on the grid,” Danzenbaker explained. “These types of grid-interactive assets are critical to a clean and reliable energy system.”
GridPoint stated that its platform’s smart control and scheduling systems identify and allow customers to adjust charging based on peak demand times and support revenue-generating automated demand response (Auto-DR). With Auto-DR customers can enroll EV chargers and other eligible building loads to supply electricity to the grid.
Real-time consumption monitoring and the ability to provide building usage insights over time are other GridPoint features, the firm noted. The company added the platform is technology-agnostic and can submeter and control any charging system.
