Energy Storage
Electric Vehicles & VPP
EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Local Governments
1 - 2 hours
to complete
Last updated 10/2025
About this course
Building upon a technical report developed by EPRI and IREC, and insights from IREC’s Charging Smart program, the EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Local Governments course provides local government staff with an understanding of key challenges and barriers in the energization process for electric vehicle (EV) chargers and the role they can play in improving the process.
This online course includes five modules that cover the EV charger energization process, best practices for permitting and zoning, strategies for local governments to engage with utilities on EV programs and incentives, and more. It also features real-world insights from local government staff throughout.
This online course includes five modules that cover the EV charger energization process, best practices for permitting and zoning, strategies for local governments to engage with utilities on EV programs and incentives, and more. It also features real-world insights from local government staff throughout.
Learning Objectives
- Plan how you can take practical steps to improve the EV charger energization process in your community.
- Examine the key challenges and barriers to EV charger energization and discuss how local governments can impact the process.
- Describe permitting best practices local governments can adopt to streamline the energization process for EV chargers.
- Identify zoning best practices local governments can adopt to streamline the energization process for EV chargers.
- Recognize the ways in which local governments can collaborate with Utilities to best deliver EV charger programs and incentives that impact the energization process.
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
7 modules
1 - 2 hours to complete
1:16 hours
of video lectures
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
Author
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 is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is 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.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
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.