Catalyst with Shayle Kann

With Great Power: Why dynamic rates are gaining momentum

May 28, 2024
Ahmad Faruqui, a pioneer in time-of-use rates, discusses the momentum behind dynamic pricing for electric utilities. He explains the evolution of rates from the California energy crisis to smart meters, and the importance of transparent rate design. The podcast also previews an upcoming event on rate design.
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ANECDOTE

California Pilot Backlash

  • California ran a smart-meter time-of-use pilot with 2,500 customers after the energy crisis.
  • Customers misunderstood higher evening prices and rejected the pilot initially.
INSIGHT

EVs Made Time-Of-Use Practical

  • EVs created a clear, tangible reason for customers to prefer off-peak charging and adopt time-of-use rates.
  • That demand helped time-of-use pricing mature two decades after early pilots.
INSIGHT

DERs Produce Uncertain Net Load Effects

  • DERs have mixed effects: EVs and heat pumps raise load while efficiency and solar reduce it.
  • The net impact on load growth is uncertain and depends on customer behavior and technology mix.
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