Managed EV Charging Programs: How They Work, What “Smart Charging” Means, and How to Benefit

What is “managed charging” (in plain English)?

Managed charging is a set of strategies that shift EV charging away from system or local peaks and toward times when electricity is cheaper and/or cleaner.

EVCAN defines managed charging as shifting charging away from peak demand to periods when electricity is cleaner and more affordable, guided by grid conditions and customer preferences.

NBER’s summary of a field experiment also highlights that incentives can reliably shift charging to off-peak hours (10pm–6am in the study).

Why utilities care (and why you should too)

EV charging can be a large new household load. If many drivers charge right after work—during the same 4–9pm peak window—utilities may need to invest in more infrastructure.

When charging shifts to off-peak hours:

• the grid runs more efficiently
• peak-related costs can be reduced
• utilities can offer better “EV-friendly” rate designs

The two common types of managed charging programs

1) Price-based (TOU rates, bill credits, rebates)

You’re given a financial reason to charge at certain times.

Example: SDG&E’s EV TOU plan emphasizes savings by charging during super off-peak (midnight–6am) and shifting usage away from 4–9pm on-peak.

2) Automation-based (opt-in control with overrides)

You enroll a compatible EV/charger/app, and the program automatically schedules or throttles charging.

Eversource notes that Massachusetts has approved a managed charging program (opening in 2026) to shift EV charging to lower-demand times.

Where OpenADR fits in

You don’t need to “configure OpenADR” at home, but it’s useful to know what it is.

The OpenADR Alliance describes OpenADR as a secure, two-way information exchange model and smart grid standard to help utilities/aggregators manage demand response and DER.

In practice, OpenADR (and related integrations) can be part of how utilities send signals (events, prices, constraints) to platforms that coordinate charging.

How to join a managed charging program (step-by-step)

1. Check your utility’s EV page Look for “EV rates,” “managed charging,” “smart charging,” “demand response,” or “EV rebates.”

2. Identify your eligibility Some programs require:

   • specific chargers/vehicles
   • a connected account
   • enrollment windows

3. Pick the “no-regrets” savings lever first: TOU scheduling Even if you don’t enroll in direct control, scheduling off-peak charging can often capture most of the savings.

   If you want an easier way to plan around TOU windows and track costs over time, start with the NeoCharge App.

4. Handle electrical constraints separately If you can’t charge when you want because you share a circuit/outlet (dryer + EV, etc.), a rate plan alone won’t fix that.

   For automatic, hardware-level sequencing between two loads, use NeoCharge Smart Splitter.

FAQ

Will managed charging stop me from charging when I need to?

Most programs are opt-in and include override options. Many simply encourage off-peak charging rather than controlling your charger.

Do I need a “smart charger”?

Not always. Some TOU plans only require you to schedule charging using your vehicle’s timer. Automation-based programs may require a connected EV/charger.

Is managed charging only about saving money?

No—utilities also use it to improve reliability and reduce peak infrastructure needs.

Next steps (NeoCharge)

• Set schedules around your cheapest hours and track your charging costs with the NeoCharge App.
• If you need to share a 240V outlet safely or avoid a panel upgrade with load management, start with the Smart Splitter.