Instant discount for off-peak EV chargers aims to help ease grid impact
EFFICIENCY MAINE ADDED a new incentive this year to help manage the impact of Maine’s transition to electric vehicles on the state’s electric grid. The $300 instant discount applies to Emporia-branded, off-peak EV chargers that come preset to charge during times of lower electricity demand. With the discount, the charging equipment can be purchased for as little as $129. A $299 (after the credit) Pro model also is available that includes an electric panel load management tool capable of directing a panel’s spare capacity to the charger when other devices (e.g., water heater, dryer, stove, oven, or well pump) shut off.
“When an EV owner uses an off-peak charger, the charger’s software ensures that the timing of the charging session occurs when the grid has plenty of capacity,” said Andy Meyer, senior program manager for Efficiency Maine. “This helps manage electricity costs by minimizing the need to run the state’s most expensive power plants and by deferring future grid upgrades.”
The Emporia off-peak chargers pause the charging process during the grid’s periods of peak demand, which in Maine occurs Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Customers can override the program any time they need to charge during this period, and it will reset the next day to offpeak charging.
According to Meyer, Emporia is the only charger brand Efficiency Maine knows of that currently offers a product that provides automatic off-peak charge management, but they look forward to opening eligibility to additional brands that can satisfy program requirements.
The charger rebates do not require income eligibility and are available to all Mainers. Efficiency Maine maintains a registered vendor list, including local companies that install EV chargers. However, customers are not required to use a registered vendor to receive the discount.
This article appeared in the Fall 2025 edition of Green & Healthy Maine HOMES. Subscribe today!
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