With Great Power: Why dynamic rates are gaining momentum

Catalyst · 28 May 2024 · 24m

What this episode covers

Ahmad Faruqui, a former principal at The Brattle Group and pioneer of dynamic electricity pricing, explains the evolution of time-of-use (TOU) and dynamic rates to host Brad Langley. Faruqui details how the California energy crisis and the subsequent rollout of smart meters enabled early pilots, but customer confusion and poor rate design led to initial failures. He argues that electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps are now driving adoption, provided utilities design rates that emphasize savings rather than peak penalties. Faruqui advocates for offering customers choices between opt-in and opt-out structures to ensure successful adoption and revenue stability for utilities.

Mentioned

Companies
GridX, The Brattle Group, PG&E, PSE&G, Puget Sound Energy, Oklahoma Gas and Electric
Products
electric vehicles, heat pumps
Tools
smart meters

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