Energization Process Streamlining by Mari Hernandez

Mari Hernandez, Regulatory Program Director at Interstate Renewable Energy Council gave this presentation at the Charging Smart workshop on October 14, 2025.

1. 1 1 Energization Process Streamlining Mari Hernandez Regulatory Program Director IREC

2. 2 2 IREC’s vision is a 100% clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and equitable. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

3. 3 Agenda Importance of Streamlining Energization IREC Approach to Improving the Energization Process How Local Jurisdictions Can Address Process Barriers

4. ENERGIZATION JOURNEY 5. Submit materials for permitting and/or zoning review 6. Grant permits 7. Obtain easement 8. Payment of upgrade costs 9. Site construction 10. Site inspection SITE ENERGIZED PLANNING PHASE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 0. INFORMATIONAL PHASE: VISION, PLAN, FUNDING Local Gov Utility + Customer Utility Customer Utility or 3rd party  11. Post-energization 4. Develop cost estimates & design site plan ENERGIZATION 1. Site selection and assessment 2. Submit service request 3. Review application Ideal Service Connection Process Credit: A Grid Connection Roadmap for Utilities to Support Small Electric Vehicle (EV) Customers

5. 5 Why Energization Efficiency Matters Growing EV adoption and demand for EV chargers State and local transportation electrification targets Soft costs associated with EV charger energization

6. 6 How IREC Works to Improve the EV Charger En ergization Process Development of resources that highlight barriers and solutions State regulatory engagement to incorporate best practices Outreach and technical support to encourage local communities to adopt model policies

7. 7 Resource Development 2022 2025 2025

8. 5. Submit materials for permitting and/or zoning review 8. Payment of upgrade costs 10. Site inspection ENERGIZATION JOURNEY 6. Grant permits 7. Obtain easement 9. Site construction SITE ENERGIZED 0. INFORMATIONAL PHASE: VISION, PLAN, FUNDING 11. Post-energization 4. Develop cost estimates & design site plan 1. Site selection and assessment 2. Submit service request 3. Review application IREC State Engagement

9. 9 State Engagement Topics Timeline Tracking & Reporting Pace of Energization Flexible Service Connection Hosting Capacity Analysis Process Clarity & Consistency

10. A tool that measures the grid’s ability to host additional distributed generation or load projects at specific locations without the need for costly upgrades or lengthy interconnection studies. 10 Hosting Capacity Analysis

11. Use Cases 11 NREL Image 61491 Project Siting Utility Technical Review Distribution System Planning

12. How to Address Barriers in Your Community 12 Identify challenges and an action plan that aligns with your goals Engage with your local utility to collaborate on solutions Participate in state dockets and working groups to discuss & resolve issues

13. 13 Mari Hernandez Director - Regulatory Program Interstate Renewable Energy Council [email protected]