Energy network provider GridPoint has launched a building-centric electric vehicle (EV) charging solution which manages customers’ peak demand charges by analysing and managing load across several controllable, grid-interactive assets from a single platform, including HVAC, lighting and EV chargers.

Customers can enroll EV chargers and other eligible building loads into automated demand response (Auto-DR) programmes which can provide additional savings.

The company seeks to address the lack of visibility that companies can have of how escalating installations of EV charging in their buildings is affecting their energy expenses.

GridPoint’s technology platform is designed to ensure that EV chargers and other assets are operating as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Smart control and scheduling systems identify and allow customers to adjust charging based on times of peak demand while supporting grid programme participation, such as revenue generating Auto-DR.

The new EV solution also monitors real-time consumption and provides insights on building usage trends over time. It is technology agnostic and can submeter and control any charging system.

The commercial building benefits of the EV charging solution also translate to better outcomes for the grid. A more distributed energy system means the supply and demand curve on the grid is also changing. Utilities and grid operators are seeking visibility into energy use changes, as well as the ability to cohesively manage more assets. Increasing on-site efficiency and having additional resources like EV chargers to call on for demand response events allows for more reliability and flexibility.

“EV charging is becoming an increasingly common feature in commercial buildings across the country with new infrastructure investments, shifting policies and growing consumer demand. 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. Our smart charging, building-centric approach ensures that an entire building is working as a unit in order to optimise savings and reduce demand on the grid. These types of grid-interactive assets are critical to a clean and reliable energy system,” said GridPoint CEO Mark Danzenbaker.