[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5970177,"mediaKeyId","5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e","parentId",5793124,"title","Matcha seeks to scale reservation‑based managed charging for multifamily renters; pilot to launch in Connecticut","audioSeconds",985,"startMs",10955000,"endMs",11940000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e&start=10955&end=11940","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e/thumbnail_10955000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5970177/Connecticut/Matcha-seeks-to-scale-reservationbased-managed-charging-for-multifamily-renters-pilot-to-launch-in-Connecticut","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5970177-7a93fd57e9c70c695ba2979c20a52cea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200026&Signature=MN9pncV7Nb5-APGrx8Pt2MliTlvz~jJu7Vvjr8XfMgRE36gYTcAUz19W-t8P~7CebDuC-9fca3cMdA~GLaLBXYf23diHmYtMTsXCcWyi-zRYyDnw4BVOYvwGEnBxOotvncgKv1rXDwO2DzTUTGKW-yTsRljMkIrrbkvoojy2-EV8u93m0lMLzpbyv0vCD6909UmO97yEvyREUfBnEgKHeZVllSyGEBXzk0Trk7Npzqr-JduMWFs5jwtVYEdi-rj4l8ljSg6nFnNwBpH0QIJuT-JAqJnVUReB2Qz9soTgXbhsski5VAxFe1tmmEI~oZvci0k1DcCMqZtwGLERSbd72w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","PURA","date","2025-09-17T19:38:33Z","article","Matcha presented software and operator services designed for multifamily properties to enable shared access to level‑2 EV charging and to combine reservations data with managed‑charging controls.

A company spokesperson (Matcha representative) described Matcha Reserve Energy, a software feature that lets tenants reserve a charger, specify the pickup time and required energy, and optionally opt into managed‑charging incentives. The innovation couples the reservation signal with a load‑shifting algorithm so the charger delivers the requested energy by the pickup time while minimizing charging during peak system demand.

The firm proposed a Connecticut demonstration across about 10 multifamily properties with roughly 50 chargers (five per building) and up to 250 drivers using a 5–7 renters‑per‑charger ratio. Matcha said it has an existing install base and pipeline in Connecticut, including an operational deployment at Harbor Point in Stamford for which Matcha already manages chargers. The company proposed a pilot budget of roughly $985,000 in its application but told PURA staff it could achieve the scope with a reduced budget below $700,000 by leveraging existing installations and backwards integration into OCPP‑compliant hardware.

During staff Q&A, Matcha said the feature can participate in utility managed‑charging programs and that integrating with utility incentives is part of the business model. Company staff said the reservations‑first approach is intended to increase charger utilization and reduce the capital cost of wiring and pedestal installations by allowing property owners to serve more drivers with fewer chargers.

Why it matters: multifamily and renter populations are widely acknowledged as underserved in EV charging programs. A reservations model that guarantees driver readiness and links to managed‑charging incentives could increase participation while reducing the per‑driver capital cost of chargers.

What’s next: Matcha said it will finalize the feature and deploy it to existing Connecticut properties immediately where its management software is already active; PURA staff will evaluate the application as part of the docket and may ask follow‑up questions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DOCKET NO. 24-08-07 -Technical Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Matcha proposed a reservations‑based managed‑charging feature for multifamily properties designed to let a single charger serve multiple drivers while guaranteeing a customer's requested ready‑by time.","taxTitle","Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, Departments and Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Connecticut","taxId",15761,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5970182,"Elastic Energy seeks 500‑home Connecticut pilot to create feeder‑level flexibility with plug‑and‑play energy routers",527,10151000,10678000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e&start=10151&end=10678","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e/thumbnail_10151000.jpg","/articles/5970182/Connecticut/Elastic-Energy-seeks-500home-Connecticut-pilot-to-create-feederlevel-flexibility-with-plugandplay-energy-routers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5970182-6d1fdc494e826d5b1a02f1825354c682/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200026&Signature=noHwFJBN3-GZ-13wYnlgAIXS6y2Lv0of1sNLox1wYGZhumz5C0SfdyPNA~XIheXGPwwWcdePSh4AQTf7uU-0aTCv75ADxOzzpqhNAvnGECddmtvmdVIw0V9XNmtJRlo8QnfY0DwJKTaTw68vb7iZJj9DVkjiZO~48ZxXoVyYR4XrTPcy-s6J1mZmKYad5VKnLDJjilgMSkw9GxHPnV~kLaRz~d39PzTBF9nE0n16hBnfhz1WRXah9jygZ2OIqKO2yqoxj7zajAycEuSP4rbrbPS2nWvjSjqSXrEB7F4QEeNe5FcQ57OjiYl~6TttK5r5lBK2HsG5Gh~JqsuoWCYIZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elastic Energy CEO Ben Hilborn presented a proposal for an 18‑month, 500‑home pilot in Connecticut that would deploy the company’s “energy router” at customer premises to aggregate dispatchable load and provide feeder‑level congestion management. Hilborn said the technology is OEM‑agnostic and compatible with batteries, HVAC, EV chargers and water heaters, and that the system is robust to connectivity and grid disturbances.

The proposed deployment targets three nodes in Hartford and one node each in New Haven and New London; Elastic would recruit participants through community partners, local solar/electric installers and potentially anonymized EDC customer lists. Hilborn emphasized equity goals: the pilot aims for at least 30% LMI (low‑ and moderate‑income) household participation and seeks to prioritize distressed municipalities and affordable multifamily dwellings.

Elastic said the pilot’s immediate objective is roughly 300 kW of verifiable dispatchable capacity that is automated and resilient to communications interruptions. The platform includes a consumer app and a portal for utilities or states; the company requested access to home area network (HAN) smart‑meter data for real‑time measurements and stated that smart‑meter/HAN access would be an important implementation requirement.

Hilborn described metrics for the pilot that include kilowatts shifted per home, peak loading reduction at targeted nodes, consumer bill impacts and participant satisfaction; he also highlighted non‑energy data value for utilities (detection of feeder health, planning inputs). PURA staff asked about rate design and whether time‑of‑use rates or AMI/HAN access are prerequisites for household bill savings. Hilborn said material bill impacts require pricing arbitrage (TOU or similar) but the pilot can still demonstrate feeder‑level congestion relief independently.

Why it matters: the proposal aims to turn distributed customer‑side devices into a feeder‑level resource that can reduce costly distribution upgrades and lower nodal congestion while prioritizing enrollment in underserved communities.

What’s next: Elastic will respond to staff follow‑up questions and said it can work with EDCs on customer lists, targeting and connectivity for HAN access where available.","Elastic Energy proposed a 500‑home, 18‑month pilot across three Hartford nodes plus New Haven and New London to install plug‑and‑play “energy routers” that make distributed devices dispatchable and create roughly 300 kW of verifiable, dispatch‑ready flexible load for feeder‑level congestion relief.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5970186,"Power Networks and Skycentrix propose cellular EcoPort pilot to scale demand response for water heaters",1620,3500000,5120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e&start=3500&end=5120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e/thumbnail_3500000.jpg","/articles/5970186/Connecticut/Power-Networks-and-Skycentrix-propose-cellular-EcoPort-pilot-to-scale-demand-response-for-water-heaters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5970186-caaeed619c40e3eb6354930fb1830906/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200026&Signature=GtT16Gj6Ar6Vx7O2-roGbz2YVp5KL29m6pMjBv9eK8foFjtIk037UBdxAfecyxJo9OLMsRqwm6pebABgszVlLX3mWPZkwatqYZfLVTTulN9iQYAFoFl-KJ4vzwPjSmJLXtturpHnrQWwpBk2KauhbbHB9QdbihFewihAr4jw-AF~jvrLnvJkEFkrAwvUvxopy5UC2adCMUetiqxCP4UA2vl9Slfk4-HC6q6KCkcVoxVieyUNMNm4glIVtqmgmq9eZ48vKxkb6cvxZ4RDZaWtmKMDOna0l4pcSGfYaAcS4QlYkMs3sb8r1mIocPAN3b2AuuBdvvzm9H1pg9vNay6xlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Power Networks presented a proposal to use open interoperability standards (EcoPort socket and OpenADR) and low‑cost cellular modules to scale continuous, 24/7 demand response across water heaters and other flexible loads. Robert Kirkshank (Power Networks) and Tristan de Frondeville (Skycentrix) described a small, rapid pilot focused on heat‑pump water heaters with a goal of demonstrating a standardized, vendor‑agnostic path to large‑scale flexibility.

Kirkshank said the pilot would start with 27 EcoPort modules—two units in a UConn/Eversource lab and 25 distributed across United Illuminating and Eversource service territories. The plan is to use cellular connectivity (5G/data SIM) as a \"plug‑and‑play\" option to avoid customers needing to use home Wi‑Fi, thereby expanding participation in underserved communities. The presenters emphasized standards and open source software as the foundation: EcoPort sockets, OpenADR signaling, and an open approach to avoid proprietary vendor lock‑in.

Presenters argued the EcoPort model reduces cost and recurring fees, and that economies of scale can drive module price below the quoted $230 to as little as $50–$60 if large bulk buys are organized. The team provided a basic cost model: including hardware, tax/shipping and a modest participant incentive the first‑cost could be about $380 per install and they forecast break‑even on avoided costs in roughly 2.7 years in their scenarios.

Power Networks said pilot testing would measure latency, kW reduced, kWh shifted, avoided generation/transmission/distribution costs, and user acceptance, with an explicit equity goal to funnel 40% of benefits to disadvantaged communities. They also described a self‑install model and customer support line; PURA staff asked how many mailed EcoPort sockets get installed (Answer: about 80% historically for Wi‑Fi versions; cellular is simpler and near universal) and how lack of broadband affects participation. Tristan said fewer than 10–20% of households lack broadband in Connecticut, but that the problem is worse in underserved communities—an argument the team used to justify the cellular approach.

Why it matters: Connecticut utilities told PURA they need low‑cost, scalable demand‑response tools to integrate renewables and avoid expensive upgrades. Power Networks’ standards‑first, low‑cost cellular EcoPort model is a direct attempt to create large‑scale flexible capacity while lowering both upfront and recurring costs compared with proprietary solutions.

What’s next: PURA staff said they would consider the proposal along with others in the docket and may request follow‑up information; the team said it would provide written responses to any staff interrogatories.","Power Networks and partner Skycentrix told PURA they can deploy a low‑cost ‘‘EcoPort’’ socket and cellular communication modules on heat‑pump water heaters to enable continuous, interoperable demand response (CIDR). The team proposed a 27‑unit pilot in Connecticut to test reliability, avoided costs and equity outcomes.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5970190,"Gizmo Power pitches portable plug‑in solar carports; asks PURA for pilot support",884,2174000,3058000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e&start=2174&end=3058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e/thumbnail_2174000.jpg","/articles/5970190/Connecticut/Gizmo-Power-pitches-portable-plugin-solar-carports-asks-PURA-for-pilot-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5970190-c660a495b0f14eabb47396c6a5d39ccb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200026&Signature=fQZJqmZg1rfiLDZMLTfVbj4Bt-nNaX7dvyDloRhX7xO-4qv2raNCyRe8t7bNGpwHhWPYB~7PrEs1z2cN7ccQyRhEJKiXhW6PVFrHGnm0U10FGCMEW9ujVplVTjvEP7WzfrfZT3LJdifjOGrma47nBAkh7XMYud4KyVGfwYANOk0iKqm2xx~oPxzEQRKFAv6Kx76EFn~jSo03FMYQTR60IXDE~vcSQ4yLq5qFnfoeIgYl2eRBcb3HXjJGSkO5aj8X1TyDat6934931ZrIbYP7HSDAJZ2sfpVP6uNuyctR0Hiwd5-dCyjGOdsHC5MWdvd4p9JWIHgwYzzmOqdq~EOFBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gizmo Power representatives presented a commercial pitch for a portable, “plug‑in” solar carport they call the Mega and said the product is designed to reduce the soft costs and permitting barriers that accompany permanent ground‑mounted carports and to make powerful, grid‑tied rooftop‑alternative solar available to more residences and small businesses.

Erica Ginsburg Klimt, vice president of operations, said the patent‑protected canopy is portable, wheel‑mounted and designed to plug into a 240‑volt receptacle on a dedicated circuit; the company markets the product as more affordable and reclaimable than permanent canopies or expensive off‑grid trailers. Gizmo pointed to pilot installations at universities and tribal partners, noting one early adopter at North Carolina State University and a project on Lakota Nation land.

Presentation and Q&A focused on interconnection and permitting. Tim White of PURA staff asked directly whether Connecticut requires an interconnection agreement for the Mega when it exports to the grid; Gizmo representatives said that, if a Mega exports energy, an interconnection agreement would likely be required and that local rules vary by authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The company said the Mega uses UL‑listed anti‑islanding equipment and claimed it is safe to grid‑tie, but acknowledged that utilities and AHJs decide interconnection and permitting rules.

Gizmo also described its fundraising history: it received SBIR funding and sought $2.5 million for a larger pilot but said it could down‑scope to build 10 Mega canopies for an 18‑month demonstration starting in December. The presenters said they had customers and interconnection agreements in some locations and emphasized the social equity potential—portable canopies can be repossessed, financed as movable appliances, and installed by local deployers rather than roof installers.

Why it matters: a lower‑cost, plug‑in, grid‑tied canopy that reduces permitting and soft costs could widen rooftop‑scale solar access to multifamily or rental communities, small businesses and disadvantaged households—but interconnection, utility rules and AHJ permitting remain open questions and would shape whether Gizmo’s portable product can export at scale.

What’s next: PURA staff recorded questions on interconnection, permitting and rate impacts; the authority said it would follow up in writing with any formal discovery requests.","Gizmo Power described a patented portable, wheeled solar carport (\"Mega\") designed to be plug‑in, grid‑tied and more affordable than existing permanent carport or trailer solutions. The company asked PURA staff about interconnection and permitting and said it had sought $2.5 million but can down‑scope to an initial 10‑megacanopy pilot in Florida.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5970194,"Stepwise proposes 100‑device pilot to let older homes add EV charging without panel upgrades",910,170000,1080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e&start=170&end=1080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5793124-7bef1330ab90aab13f56363dc805dd5e/thumbnail_170000.jpg","/articles/5970194/Connecticut/Stepwise-proposes-100device-pilot-to-let-older-homes-add-EV-charging-without-panel-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5970194-ac0f3e263b70733a43a11e24e5682c19/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200026&Signature=btN0g1tvuO2u1qRNDHGYs5iyg5W-t6qMHNHETUDlobOnwN7R3oLyM7yL0X5XJpkqbaW39WNiQ3aNgutNOITCW5yTuHsBH6X6njXRVFPiW92GBtPVw~Gbq9SA4GG9OOhvZhfruC0KP5dyFCRkPWgkOAwoPd3dKZMyZ3zZh9zxymvcNN88bqcbeNqTMwgl2MY3jVxJeLLY0Js3RrzSQs3JOAA7n~3xf2qtD4HCMn8ctNHmfFK09eYuYF-R6B9RoF0RyFsGD8EK9hT1CBHM~J5MDiIqfCdoTqfmPDJDBVcqM92eq~fQw9ruJ~DSUIo7Z7rEv0h-DBqy8FVK-jUR1kwp2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chair Marissa Gillette opened the technical meeting and invited Stepwise to present its application for PURA docket 24‑0807. Jane Chen, co‑founder and CEO of Stepwise, described a combined hardware‑and‑software product that she said functions like \"a smart automated dimmer switch for your EV charger\" and sits between a home panel and an EV charger to monitor whole‑house load and throttle charging to stay within safe limits.

The company proposes a 12‑month pilot in Connecticut deploying up to 100 devices in partnership with the state’s investor‑owned utilities and local electricians. Chen said the device is intended for homes with limited panel capacity—including older houses that otherwise would face an estimated $5,000 or more in panel upgrade costs before they could add charging. \"What we're trying to do is help more people access electrification technologies starting with EV charging,\" Chen told PURA staff.

Stepwise emphasized two goals for the pilot: (1) expand access to managed charging for households that lack modern panel capacity, and (2) validate the accuracy and usefulness of the telematics and aggregate data the device collects. Chen said the company would compare tap‑generated measurements to vehicle telematics and existing charger data and test whether the taps can be a reliable interoperable buffer for utilities' managed‑charging programs. She told staff the hardware is safety‑first (it can physically shut off if communications fail) and that manufacturing is based in Buffalo, New York.

PURA staff asked about deployment timing, seasonality and the proposed reporting deadline. Tim White, speaking for PURA staff, pressed whether installing 100 taps and submitting a final report by the end of December 2026 would capture seasonal variation; Chen responded that seasonality (lower EV charging in winter) matters and the timeline depends on when the pilot starts and the utilities' customer recruitment plans. On cost‑benefit metrics Chen said Stepwise planned to quantify direct avoided panel upgrades for participants and the additional households enrolled in managed charging because of the device.

Several clarifying points surfaced during Q&A: the device itself does not require a permit, Chen said—installing an EV charger or changing the panel still requires permitting, but adding the tap without other panel work would not. She also noted some imported components may be subject to tariffs and that, while the company had previously characterized imported parts as tariff‑exempt, component tariffs have been changing.

Why it matters: A substantial share of U.S. housing stock cannot accept an EV charger without a panel upgrade. If the product works as described, it could reduce upfront adoption barriers for EVs, increase participation in managed‑charging programs, and reduce peak demand for ratepayers without immediate panel replacements.

What’s next: PURA staff will follow up with written interrogatories as part of the docket. Stepwise said it would respond to formal discovery and to staff follow‑up questions about the pilot design and data metrics.","Stepwise told the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority technical meeting that a 12‑month Connecticut pilot would deploy up to 100 behind‑the‑meter “tap” devices that let EV chargers operate within existing panel limits, enabling managed charging enrollment for homes that otherwise would need costly panel upgrades.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Matcha seeks to scale reservation‑based managed charging for multifamily renters; pilot to launch in Connecticut

Elastic Energy seeks 500‑home Connecticut pilot to create feeder‑level flexibility with plug‑and‑play energy routers

Power Networks and Skycentrix propose cellular EcoPort pilot to scale demand response for water heaters

Gizmo Power pitches portable plug‑in solar carports; asks PURA for pilot support

Stepwise proposes 100‑device pilot to let older homes add EV charging without panel upgrades