Utility Blames Customers Using Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, and A/C - Not Those Charging EVs - for “Burdening” Power Grid

By B.N. Frank

Research has determined that many Americans still aren’t interested in investing in electric vehicles (EVs). EVs have been associated with high costs (see 1, 2, 3), fires (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), and other significant issues. Fire issues actually led to a U.S. investigation and numerous recalls. Problems with EV charging stations have been reported too (see 1, 2).

Experts have also warned that EV mandates actually threaten the U.S. grid and will increase the need for fossil fuels. Additionally, U.S. grid operators have warned of the potential for blackouts if the switch to renewable energy isn’t slowed down. Nevertheless, many U.S. legislators and government agencies continue to support the speedy widespread adoption of both electric cars and trucks, hence the recently approved $7,500 taxpayer subsidy for buyers. Of course, utility companies seem to be huge EV proponents too. In fact, one California utility isn’t blaming EVs for problems with its grid. It’s blaming customers who use common appliances during “peak hours”. Oh the nerve of those customers!

From CBS8:

Are electrical vehicles draining the power grid?

If more drivers are buying electric vehicles is that causing flex alerts?

Author: Abbie Alford

SAN DIEGO — This week’s flex alert had a lot of people asking questions about our power grid. One of those questions, are electric vehicles part of the problem? If more people buy EVs will that put a bigger strain on our grid?

Despite shortages experts say electric vehicles made up a more than 5% of new car sales from April to June and the demand is still rising.

“I want to charge my car for less than I pay for gasoline, not for more,” said Mark Toney, The Utility Reform Network, Executive Director.

He says to pay less, he charges his car during off peak hours, when he’s sleeping overnight, that’s when rates are lower.

“We don’t want people charging electric vehicles during the peak times, because an electric vehicle can take more electricity than your entire house put together,” said Toney.

SDG&E says more than 80% of EV charging happens over night when energy demand is the lowest.

Simply put SDG&E says it’s not the electric vehicles burdening the grid. Instead, it’s the people who are using their washer and dryer, dishwasher and AC during peak hours which is 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Still Governor Newsom’s goal to have all new cars be zero emissions vehicles by 2035 would have more cars plugging in meaning more electricity.

The federal and state government are pumping in billions of dollars to support this and SDG&E says rates are going up partially because it’s building new infrastructure to support EVs.

“What else is coming is the ability to use the batteries in the car batteries as a backup for generation so that during these times, people who are plugged in, will get paid to have their batteries drained from four to nine,” said Toney.

Think of it like big batteries on wheels that can store energy reserves.

Experts say EVs won’t be a threat to the grid, rather an asset.

“It can actually end up being the opposite, that electric cars become a fleet of batteries all throughout the state that actually help instead of hurting during the flex alerts.

SDG&E says overall demand in EVs is minimal to the grid and says by storing and managing energy will drive electricity rates down for users.

Health and environmental risks have been reported about EVs as well (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Got pets? Radiation exposure from EVs and other common sources can affect them too.