As electric vehicles (EVs) proliferate across the United States, utilities are facing a pivotal moment in grid planning. The rapid deployment of EV charging infrastructure, particularly for commercial and public applications, has introduced new challenges—and new opportunities—for utilities seeking to manage load growth and ensure grid reliability.
At Franklin Energy, we’re fortunate to support utilities on the frontlines of this transformation. From years of implementing and refining transportation electrification programs, we’ve learned that the most effective EV strategies don’t treat grid management as an afterthought. Instead, they weave it into every layer of program design—from incentive structures and siting to contractor engagement and customer education.
In this article, we’ll share lessons from our work supporting New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), which have launched one of the country’s most integrated approaches to grid-friendly EV infrastructure development. Their innovative trio of programs, the EV Make-Ready (EVMR) program, the Demand Charge Rebate (DCR), and the Load Management Technology Incentive Program (LMTIP)—developed by the joint utilities of New York in collaboration with the New York Public Service Commission, offer a blueprint for other utilities looking to strengthen grid outcomes while accelerating EV adoption.
The EVMR program dramatically reduces the upfront costs of installing EV charging infrastructure. By covering both utility-side and customer-side upgrades, the program removes major financial hurdles that can stall projects—especially in disadvantaged communities (DACs), which receive increased levels of funding.
Upfront cost, however, is just one piece of the expense equation for customers considering an EV charging investment. Demand charges can dramatically increase ongoing operational costs. The DCR program provides eligible commercial EV charging customers with a 50% rebate on their billed demand charges.
The NY PSC and joint utilities recognized that simply increasing the number of chargers wasn’t enough. Without access to data and load management, widespread deployment could result in unpredictable demand spikes and localized grid stress. That’s where LMTIP comes in.
Launched in 2024, LMTIP provides targeted incentives for technologies that actively manage EV charging loads. This includes onsite energy storage, energy storage integrated into EVSE, load management software, and load management hardware. Importantly, it does not prescribe utility-directed control. Instead, it empowers customers and developers to select technologies that fit their use cases—provided they share all data, meet clear technical standards, and deliver measurable demand impacts. Customers are empowered to optimize their own load, and the program gets access to valuable data to support grid planning, evaluate technologies and approaches, and create best practices and recommendations for new charging program prospects.
Individually, EVMR, DCR, and LMTIP provide valuable incentives. But their real power lies in how they’re combined—and how they’re marketed. NYSEG and RG&E intentionally co-market their EV programs, creating a cohesive narrative that guides customers and contractors through a grid-smart project journey.
This includes:
By taking this holistic approach, the utilities ensure that infrastructure deployment and grid optimization go hand-in-hand.
Over four years of program implementation, Franklin Energy has gathered extensive data and stakeholder feedback. Here are some key insights:
One of the most promising aspects of the LMTIP approach is that it doesn’t require sacrificing customer experience to achieve grid benefits. For example:
These technologies are particularly valuable for public and fleet charging scenarios, where demand spikes can be extreme but somewhat predictable.
Both EVMR and LMTIP emphasize equity—not just in theory, but in implementation. By allocating a substantial portion of funding to DACs and offering higher incentives for qualifying projects, the programs have helped to ensure that all communities benefit from clean transportation.
In practice, this means supporting installations in areas with historically limited access to infrastructure, engaging local contractors, and providing educational materials tailored to diverse stakeholders. It also means working closely with site hosts—who may be unfamiliar with utility processes—to set expectations, navigate timelines, and overcome common barriers.
Based on our experience, here are a few recommendations for utilities exploring similar approaches:
The transition to electric transportation is not just about replacing engines—it’s about rethinking how we manage energy. At Franklin Energy, we believe that utilities play a central role in this shift, not just as service providers but as trusted partners and planners. By integrating grid considerations into every stage of EV program design, we can build systems that are resilient, equitable, and ready for what’s next. Because the grid of the future isn’t just smarter. It’s shared, it’s flexible, and it’s built together. The joint utilities of NY model demonstrates what’s possible when vision, coordination, and execution come together.
Ready to strengthen your EV program strategy with proven, grid-smart solutions? Contact us to start the conversation.