Austin Power Partner EV Program FAQ

What is Austin Energy’s Power Partner℠ EV program?
  • As a Power Partner participant, you help our community manage energy use on days when the need is highest. During these peak times, Austin Energy will make minor, remote adjustments to your Level 2 EV charger or qualifying vehicle to slow or delay charging only.

  • With Power Partner EV, you can get a $50 bill credit for enrolling your qualifying Level 2 charger or qualifying vehicle. You can also get a $25 bill credit after one year of remaining in the program.

  • Power Partner events typically occur June 1 - September 30. Events last up to 4 hours between 2-10 p.m. A maximum of 15 Power Partner events will occur per month (primarily during the summer season). During extreme weather circumstances, Austin Energy may conduct events outside of these windows. Participants may easily opt out of events without penalty through their EV charging app.

Will my battery state of charge be reduced during or after a Power Partner event?
  • No. Your battery’s charging will be paused or slowed until the event is over. You can override an event and resume normal charging at any time.

Which EVSE and EVs qualify for the Power Partner℠ EV program?

See the chart below for eligible charging equipment and eligible EVs. Your charger must be installed and activated with internet connectivity prior to enrollment. Your Wi-Fi connection and EV charger(s) must be connected to your manufacturer’s account.

Manufacturer

Model Name

Power Input

Indoor/Outdoor

ChargePoint

CPH50

Plug In/Hardwired

Indoor/Outdoor

ChargePoint

CPH25

Plug In/Hardwired

Indoor/Outdoor

ChargePoint

CPH18

Plug In/Hardwired

Indoor/Outdoor

Emporia

EMEVSE1

Plug In/Hardwired

Indoor/Outdoor

EvoCharge

40A

Plug In/Hardwired

Indoor/Outdoor

EvoCharge

32A

Plug In/Hardwired

Indoor/Outdoor

EvoCharge

Home 50

Plug In/Hardwired

Indoor/Outdoor

Tesla

3

N/A

N/A

Tesla

S

N/A

N/A

Tesla

X

N/A

N/A

Tesla

Y

N/A

N/A

Tesla

CyberTruck

N/A

N/A

  • Tesla vehicles are controlled during Power Partner events via the vehicle’s onboard computer, not by a charging station.

  • All sub-models of the CPH50 are eligible including all plug types, connector types and power input (hardware/plug in).

If I own a Tesla vehicle, do I need to buy a specific charger to participate in the program?

No, Tesla owners can enroll without a charger. Teslas are controlled for Power Partner events via the onboard computer or telematics within the Tesla.

Where can I learn more about eligible chargers?

For more information about the charging equipment listed above, please visit the manufacturers’ websites. Customers must have one of the chargers listed above or a Tesla to be eligible for Power Partner EV at this time, with additional makes and models potentially added later. Austin Energy offers a rebate when you buy an eligible EV charger, in addition to the Power Partner EV offering.

Upon submitting my application, when will I be notified of my status in the program?

Austin Energy will provide email confirmation of your status in the program, typically within four weeks of applying.

What is the difference between telematics and level 2 EV/SE charger demand response?

Telematics and level 2 EVSE are different methods of remotely controlling an electric vehicle.

  • Telematics are the onboard computer and communication system within a vehicle, Remote adjustments via telematics sends a signal directly to the vehicle to reduce or stop charging during a demand response event.

  • Remote adjustments via level 2 EVSE chargers controls the EV charger itself.

How will I receive my program incentive?

The $50 enrollment incentive will be issued in the form of an Austin Energy electric bill credit within 1-2 billing cycles after acceptance. For every year you remain in the program, you will receive an additional $25 credit.

Where can I find the terms and conditions for this program?

You can find the program terms and conditions for the EV charger manufacturers here:

Provider

Terms and Conditions

ChargePoint

Terms & Conditions

Emporia

Terms & Conditions

EvoCharge

Terms & Conditions

Tesla

Terms & Conditions

How will I know that a that a Power Partner event is in progress?

Depending on the manufacturer, notifications may appear before or at the start of the event in your web or mobile application.

How will my EV or EVSE charger be adjusted?

At the start of an event, your charger will be automatically adjusted to delay vehicle charging. The adjustment will typically last no more than four hours and will not occur on holidays. Once the event is over, your charger will return to its normal operation. You can opt out of an event at any time from your charger manufacturer’s mobile app without penalty.

Will participating in the program prevent my vehicle from receiving a full charge?

Energy adjustment during Power Partner events will either slow or temporarily delay the vehicle charging for up to four hours. Your car can get a full charge later in the evening after the energy adjustment event is over.

Am I allowed to opt out of Power Partner events?

Yes. At any time during an event, you can opt out from your charger manufacturer’s web or mobile app. You will not be penalized for opting out of an event.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the Power Partner EV program?
Will I be notified of events?

Manufacturers may or may not provide notifications prior to an adjustment. Austin Energy does not send event notifications, which are set by the manufacturer. For more information on notifications, please visit the manufacturer’s website.

How do I unenroll?

Please email AEpowerpartner@austinenergy.com requesting to end your participation in Power Partner EV.