| Resource Type | Webinar |
| Author / Source | Co-op Innovation Network (CIN) |
| Publication Date | February 2026 |
| Location | Multi-state (NC, CO, MT); framework applicable nationally |
| Initiative Type | Program, Policy, Technology |
| Project Complexity | Intermediate |
| Recommended For | Staff, Board |
Estimated viewing time: 35 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
Transportation electrification is one of the clearest load growth opportunities available to rural electric co-ops, and member adoption hinges on the programs co-ops put in place to lower cost and convenience barriers.
This webinar features three co-ops, MEC in Montana, GCEA in Colorado, and SYEMC in North Carolina, sharing how they are using EV loaner vehicles, managed charging programs, rebates, time-of-use rates, and electric transport refrigeration units to encourage adoption and capture beneficial load. Co-op staff and boards can use it to hear directly from peers who have launched EV programs and to consider which elements might translate to their own service territory.
Key Takeaways
| › | MEC's Recharge program pairs a smart Level 2 charger with mandatory off-peak charging (no override), turning EV load into a non-coincident-peak resource and giving members a 2 cent per kWh charging discount. |
| › | GCEA reports residential EV charging averages roughly 3,000 kWh per year per vehicle, a meaningful new revenue stream when paired with TOU rates that move load off the system peak. |
| › | EV loaner vehicles function as both member engagement tools and adoption drivers, giving members up to a week with the vehicle rather than a typical dealer test drive. |
| › | Beneficial electrification extends beyond passenger EVs: SYEMC's electric transport refrigeration unit pilot replaces diesel on staged refrigerated trailers with shore power, creating a dispatchable load the co-op can shift off peak. |
Implementation Considerations
- Cost or Funding Requirements: Costs vary widely by program model: GCEA relies on rate design and modest rebate budgets, MEC offers smart chargers at $499 upfront or $19 per month, and SYEMC's eTRU pilot ran roughly $3,000 per shore-power plug on the co-op side.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Managed charging and TOU rates depend on AMI, smart charger connectivity, and billing system flexibility. Smaller co-ops may need to lean on their G&T, statewide association, or third-party administrators to launch comparable programs.
Notable Examples
- Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC), Montana: Co-op running the Borrow & Bolt EV loaner and Recharge managed charging program.
- Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA), Colorado: Co-op with an 11-year EV program combining rebates, a TOU rate tied to charger rebates, and a public charging network.
- Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation (SYEMC), North Carolina: Co-op piloting electric transport refrigeration units with Holler & Greene Produce.
Estimated viewing time: 35 minutes
Related to
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.