Fremont EV Drivers Can Help the Grid and Save Money This Wildfire Season​​

With wildfire season fast approaching and energy demand surging during the summer months, electric vehicle (EV) drivers across Alameda County—including Oakland, Fremont, Berkeley, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin—have a unique opportunity to make a real impact.Local utilities and clean energy advocates are calling on EV owners to enroll in smart charging programs designed to support the power grid during critical peak hours. These programs not only promote environmental sustainability but also offer drivers tangible savings—just for plugging in.One initiative currently available to local residents is the PG&E EV Charge Manager Program. The program helps enrolled EVs to charge during off-peak hours, reducing stress on the grid when electricity demand is highest.

Why It Matters for Alameda County

Grid Resilience: As PG&E continues its efforts to strengthen infrastructure and implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during high fire-risk days, smart charging can help maintain energy availability for all. By avoiding charging during peak demand hours, EV drivers help lower the risk of blackouts and ease pressure on the grid when it's most vulnerable.Local Savings: Enrolling in these programs can lead to real financial benefits. Participating drivers may be eligible for rebates or ongoing discounts through time-of-use rates, depending on their utility and EV model. It’s a simple way to make your car work for your wallet.Environmental Impact: Charging during off-peak hours also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That’s because peak-time electricity often comes from dirtier, fossil-fuel-based sources. Smart charging ensures your EV runs on cleaner energy, helping reduce your household’s carbon footprint.With wildfires becoming more frequent and the climate crisis deepening, small, individual actions like smart charging can make a collective difference. East Bay residents have long been leaders in sustainability—now, EV drivers can step up again, using technology and timing to power their cars and protect their communities.To learn more or sign up, search PG&E EV Charge Manager and find the program that fits your EV.