3 Course Bundle
Accelerating EV Charger Energization
3 hours
to complete
3 courses
This is a bundle of these 3 courses
About this course
As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow, both utilities and local governments are seeing a rise in requests related to EV charging infrastructure. These range from service requests submitted to utilities to permit applications filed with local governments. In some areas, utilities and local governments are already facing an increase in requests, resulting in a growing backlog of EV charger projects awaiting power supply and full operation. Because EV charging infrastructure has unique characteristics, it often requires different processes than those used for typical load projects or transportation infrastructure.
To address these challenges, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) have developed a technical report that outlines a roadmap for streamlining and improving the EV charger energization process. Managed primarily by utilities, this process spans from the project developer’s service connection request to the final connection of that project to the grid. The report is informed by input from customers, utilities, and other key stakeholders.
This course bundle presents key findings and best practices from the report, along with insights from IREC’s Charging Smart program—a no-cost technical assistance initiative that helps local governments enhance and streamline permitting and zoning policies for EV chargers. Recognizing the distinct roles of utility and local government staff in the energization process, the training is divided into two separate tracks, each tailored to explore the specific challenges and best practices relevant to its audience.
Who should view this course bundle?
- Local government staff
- Electric utility staff
- General public
This work is funded by the U.S Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Technology Integration/EEMS Office Award Number DE-EE0010632.
Subjects covered
Energy Storage
Electric Vehicles & VPP
Bundle outline
3 courses
3 hours to complete
Course 1 •
1
modules
Introduction to EV Charger Energization
Course 1 •
1
modules
Introduction to EV Charger Energization
Welcome • 6 assignments
Welcome
Welcome • 6 assignments
Welcome
Meet the instructors and learn about available courses
- About the Authors
- Course Background (04:03 minutes)
- A Grid Connection Roadmap for Utilities to Support Small Electric Vehicle (EV) Customers: Streamlining Utility Service Connections and Customer Engagement for Small Fleet and Multi-Family Housing EV Charging (DOE Project EE0010632)
- Charging Smart
- Course Series Overview (01:27 minutes)
- Course Series Key Terminology (.pdf)
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Steps in the EV Charger Energization Process
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Steps in the EV Charger Energization Process
Analyze the EV charger energization process also known as the “energization journey,” and examine key stakeholder roles, project size variations, ownership considerations, and critical decision points across the multi-step implementation process.
- Key Terminology: Steps in the EV Charger Energization Process (.pdf)
- Steps in the EV Charger Energization Process (12:51 minutes)
Course 2 •
3
modules
EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Utilities
Course 2 •
3
modules
EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Utilities
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
In this module you'll learn about the research that led to the development of this course.
- EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Utilities (02:52 minutes)
- REPORT: A Grid Connection Roadmap for Utilities to Support Small Electric Vehicle (EV) Customers
- Key Terminology Document (.pdf)
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Importance of Energization Process Efficiency
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Importance of Energization Process Efficiency
In this module, we will examine energization processes while identifying the unique timeline pressures of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) projects, and understand the specific challenges facing small fleet and multi-family housing customers.
- Importance of Energization Process Efficiency (07:58 minutes)
- Interview with Omaha Public Power District (09:26 minutes)
- Interview with National Grid (11:14 minutes)
Module 2 • 1 assignments
Energization Process Challenges and Solutions
Module 2 • 1 assignments
Energization Process Challenges and Solutions
In this module, we will evaluate the challenges for each energization process step and learn the various solutions that utilities can implement to address those challenges.
- Energization Process Challenges and Solutions (29:06 minutes)
Module 3 • 1 assignments
Steps to Implementing Roadmap Solutions
Module 3 • 1 assignments
Steps to Implementing Roadmap Solutions
In this module, we will recognize how to apply systematic implementation strategies by assessing current EVSE service connection barriers, prioritizing roadmap solutions based on resource requirements and impact potential, and designing partnership-enhanced improvement plans with continuous reassessment protocols.
- Steps to Implementing Roadmap Solutions (06:14 minutes)
Conclusion • 3 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 3 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Course Feedback
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate (members only)
Course 3 •
5
modules
EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Local Governments
Course 3 •
5
modules
EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Local Governments
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This is a free course. We take pride in our free courses, but keep in mind that this is only a taste of what we do in a full HeatSpring course. You can get started immediately after you enroll.
- EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Local Governments (02:17 minutes)
- Key Terminology: EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Local Governments (.pdf)
Module 1 • 6 assignments
Local Governments and the Energization of EV Chargers
Module 1 • 6 assignments
Local Governments and the Energization of EV Chargers
In this module, we’ll break down the typical steps involved in the EV charger energization process—also referred to as the energization journey. We’ll highlight where local governments can play a role, and identify key challenges they can help address to streamline and support a more efficient energization process.
- Energization Journey (08:37 minutes)
- Interview with Traci McLean, City of Brighton, CO (03:19 minutes)
- Interview with Eryka Thorley & Dylan King, Town of Erie, CO (06:04 minutes)
- Improving Efficiency for EV Charger Energization (06:42 minutes)
- Resources
- Charging Smart
Module 2 • 5 assignments
Permitting Best Practices for EV Chargers
Module 2 • 5 assignments
Permitting Best Practices for EV Chargers
In this module, we will explain the impacts of permitting and highlight best practices local governments can adopt to streamline EV charger energization.
- Permitting for EV Chargers (04:29 minutes)
- Interview with Traci McLean, City of Brighton, CO (03:26 minutes)
- Permitting Best Practices for EV Chargers (05:14 minutes)
- City of Oakdale EVSE Permitting Example
- Resources
Module 3 • 5 assignments
Zoning Best Practices for EV Chargers
Module 3 • 5 assignments
Zoning Best Practices for EV Chargers
In this module, we will explain the impacts zoning has on EV chargers and best practices local governments can adopt to improve the EV charger energization process.
- Zoning for EV Chargers (07:56 minutes)
- Interview with Traci McLean, City of Brighton, CO (01:24 minutes)
- Interview with Eryka Thorley & Dylan King, Town of Erie, CO (04:45 minutes)
- Zoning Ordinance Language Examples
- Resources
Module 4 • 5 assignments
Utility Engagement
Module 4 • 5 assignments
Utility Engagement
In this module, we will explain best practices for local government engagement with utilities in their jurisdiction. We will highlight topics to consider for collaboration that have influence on streamlining the EV energization process.
- Engaging With Utilities (05:53 minutes)
- Resources
- Collaborating with Utilities on EV Charger Programs and Incentives (04:37 minutes)
- Interview with Traci McLean, City of Brighton, CO (01:54 minutes)
- Interview with Eryka Thorley & Dylan King, Town of Erie, CO (04:47 minutes)
Module 5 • 1 assignments
Roadmap Implementation
Module 5 • 1 assignments
Roadmap Implementation
This module will provide steps you can take to implement strategies and solutions covered in this course.
- Taking Action in Your Community: Roadmap Implementation Steps (04:36 minutes)
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Course Feedback
Authors
David Golembeski
Senior Program Manager, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Catelyn Sweeney
Regulatory Policy Specialist, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
As a Regulatory Policy Specialist, Catelyn supports the Regulatory team’s efforts to streamline the energization of distributed energy resources, particularly Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) for large loads, focusing on medium- and heavy-duty EVs. Prior to joining the Regulatory team, Catelyn supported IREC’s Local Initiatives team as a Program Manager. As a...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
This bundle of courses is delivered entirely online. After you enroll, the courses will be added to your Account. There's a recommended progression to follow, but you have the flexibility to access the materials in whatever order you prefer. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. The courses are self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.
Who is this course bundle designed for?
This course bundle is tailored for local government and utility staff interested in understanding the complexities of EV charger energization and exploring ways to improve process efficiency based on their specific roles. However, we welcome anyone interested in learning more to participate in the courses.