Smart EV Charging: Kaluza and PG&E Boost Affordability
Kaluza, a provider of energy software solutions, has announced its role as an Automation Service Provider (ASP) for Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E’s) new ‘Hourly Flex Pricing’ (HFP) pilot.
The initiative marks a significant expansion of Kaluza’s EV-managed charging programme in California, offering drivers a smarter, more cost-effective way to charge their vehicles.
Powering the future of energy
As a pioneering energy software company, Kaluza is transforming the energy sector. Its cutting-edge technology streamlines supplier operations, enhances customer engagement and drives decarbonisation through innovative low-carbon solutions.
From intelligent billing systems to smart EV charging, Kaluza is enabling leading energy providers to serve millions of customers more efficiently while fostering a more flexible energy ecosystem.
Kaluza’s real-time cloud platform empowers suppliers to innovate for future energy needs, reduce operational costs and support sustainability efforts. Through its smart charging solutions, customers can use optimised energy, reducing bills while contributing to a cleaner, more resilient power grid.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation, serves more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. With a strong focus on sustainability and technological advancement, PG&E continues to lead the way in energy innovation, working with partners like Kaluza to introduce progressive energy management solutions.
Smart charging for EV drivers
EV drivers enrolled in PG&E’s Hourly Flex Pricing pilot can access the new rate through a Kaluza-integrated chargepoint and an intuitive mobile app. The ‘set and forget’ functionality enables customers to schedule charging during periods of lower electricity demand and greater renewable energy availability.
As a result, participants benefit from financial savings and contribute to a more stable, low-carbon grid.
The integration with PG&E’s pilot follows the success of Kaluza’s California Energy Commission-supported REDWDS programme, launched in February 2024. The initiative enables customers to save up to 60% on home energy bills.
Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, 50% of Kaluza’s enrolled drivers come from disadvantaged or low-income communities, ensuring a broad range of users can access cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions.
Next-generation energy solutions
Kaluza’s participation in PG&E’s HFP pilot represents the latest deployment of its advanced software and demand response capabilities, which have been successfully implemented in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
The programme will incorporate bidirectional Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) charging, allowing EV owners to return energy from their car battery to their home or the grid.
The technology enhances customer engagement, strengthens network resilience and increases cost savings, all while accelerating the transition to renewable power.
A vision for a smarter energy system
Jonathan Levy, Managing Director for the US and Japan at Kaluza, shares his enthusiasm for the collaboration.
“Kaluza strongly supports PG&E and other utilities rolling out new innovative rates that allow drivers to benefit from their active role in shaping a stable, renewable-powered system," he says.
"These time-of-use and type-of-use electricity rates are important tools that software platforms can harness to deliver a win-win-win for customers’ energy bills, the grid and the planet.
"We commend PG&E for embracing new technologies and approaches to transform into a rapidly evolving system and we’re delighted to add them to our growing roster of global utility clients. We’re excited to scale our active managed charging programme in California to make EV ownership more affordable, inclusive and easy through seamless customer experiences.”
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