EVgo's Connect the Watts™ initiative brings together key stakeholders in the EV ecosystem to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This collaborative effort includes utilities, funding agencies, permitting authorities, site hosts, equipment suppliers, and automakers.

The initiative focuses on five critical areas for improving utility partnerships:

1. Easement Process Improvement

• Introduces Access Agreements as alternatives to traditional easements
• Reduces project timelines by 6+ months
• Successfully implemented with PG&E and SMUD

2. Equipment Inventory Management

• Recommends maintaining stock of transformers and meter pans
• Addresses supply chain delays (currently 20+ weeks for transformers)
• Suggests trigger ordering systems for critical components

3. Dedicated Staffing

• Emphasizes need for specialized EV charging teams
• Recommends single point of contact for large accounts
• Notable success with SCE, PG&E, SDG&E, and Dominion

4. Streamlined Design Approvals

• Accelerates review processes
• Reduces project delays
• Facilitates knowledge transfer between deployments

5. Enhanced Feasibility Studies

• Confirms power availability early
• Identifies interconnection points
• Prevents costly redesigns (saves 8-10 weeks per project)

Leading utilities implementing these practices include:

• Salt River Project Power and Water (Arizona)
• XCEL Energy (Colorado)
• Seattle City Light (Washington)
• Puget Sound Energy (Washington)
• Oncor (Texas)

These improvements are crucial as DCFC installations require faster timelines (2-6 weeks) compared to traditional commercial construction (12+ months). EVgo's utility engineering requests are projected to quadruple in 2022 compared to 2021, highlighting the urgent need for streamlined processes.

The successful implementation of these best practices is essential for meeting growing EV adoption rates and reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

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