Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions, Utilities  -  March 19, 2025

Consumers Energy Launches EV Charging Program

Consumers Energy announced its Grand Rapids service area will launch an EV charging pilot program.

The State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) provided a $170,000 grant to Rhythmos.io for the project, a company that provides grid management through AI-powered data analytics for utilities and EV fleet operators. The funding will enable the demonstration of a sustainable and equitable model for cost-effectively supporting electric providers’ growing EV adoption while managing the impact to the grid. 

The program could lead to substantial cost savings, with Rhythmos.io estimating an average public utility serving 250,000 customers could save more than $7.3 million by 2035 in avoided and deferred transformer upgrades with optimized charging.

Consumers Energy provides natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million residents in  Michigan. Its clean energy plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions, and meeting 90% of customers’ energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar.

“This project is the latest example of how mobility technology can enable real-world solutions to challenges directly impacting Michigan communities,” said Justine Johnson, chief mobility officer for the State of Michigan at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), in a statement. “Energy providers are exploring tools that make electrification more seamless for EV drivers and cost-effective for everyone. This project explores how energy providers can enhance grid reliability as EV adoption accelerates and keep Michigan at the forefront of clean energy advancement.”

The grant was awarded through the Michigan Mobility Funding Program (MMFP) through which the State of Michigan offers support for real-world testing and deployments of mobility solutions across the state. With NextEnergy serving as the project manager for this grant, the Rhythmos.io technology will identify Level 2 EV charging locations and monitor their impact on distribution system assets. The pilot will also recruit existing EV drivers to participate in an optimized charging program designed to reduce both energy infrastructure costs and customer charging expenses. 

Share this valuable information with your colleagues using the buttons below: