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.

*This course series was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.

Subjects covered

Energy Storage Electric Vehicles & VPP

Bundle outline

3 courses
3 hours to complete
Course 1 • 1 modules
Introduction to EV Charger Energization
Welcome • 6 assignments
Welcome

Meet the instructors and learn about available courses

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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. 

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Course 2 • 3 modules
EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Utilities
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials

In this module you'll learn about the research that led to the development of this course.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Course 3 • 5 modules
EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Local Governments
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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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Module 5 • 1 assignments
Roadmap Implementation

This module will provide steps you can take to implement strategies and solutions covered in this course.

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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!

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Authors

David Golembeski

Senior Program Manager, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

David Golembeski is a Senior Program Manager with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). At IREC, he works on reforming rules, regulatory policies, and technical standards to make clean energy and EVs more widely accessible. David is a co-author of the report A Grid Connection Roadmap for Utilities to Support Small Electric Vehicle (EV) Customers. David holds a...

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 FAQ
How 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. 

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