At SCE, we work closely with our customers, plus establish invaluable partnerships with the private and public sectors, to carry out our role as the premier 21st-century alternative-fuel provider.
In addition to our Electric Vehicle Technical Center’s state-of-the-art work, here’s a look at some of our leadership efforts to support a safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective electric supply for use by grid-connected electro-drive technologies.
Airports
SCE has established key alliances with the Electric Power Research Institute, or EPRI (an independent, nonprofit center for public interest energy and environmental research, www.epri.com), local airports, airlines and charger and batter manufacturers to demonstrate cutting-edge electric-powered airport technologies. These efforts have led to the adoption of power quality modeling studies that set charger efficiency standards.
In addition, SCE is taking a leadership role in addressing how to improve management of airport electric ground support equipment energy loads through fast charging, use of power control units, electric vehicle equipment rates, and more.
Ports
In collaboration with EPRI, SCE has contracted to have a Port of Long Beach land-side electrification study performed to identify opportunities that will yield cleaner modes of transportation at the port. Through EPRI’s Infrastructure Working Council and Port Electrification Committee, SCE also is leading the charge to evaluate standardization of the port’s infrastructure for connectors and voltages. This applies to infrastructure both for docked ships to plug into shore side power, and for other vehicles and equipment in the port area.
Truck Stops
As chair of the EPRI Infrastructure Working Council Truck Stop Electrification Committee, SCE is making a major contribution to solutions that will enable truck drivers to turn off their diesel engines during a truck stop visit and instead plug into clean, reliable electric power to meet their onboard needs.
This committee is bringing together government agencies, truck and component manufacturers, truck stop operators and others to develop a revision to the National Electric Code that will ensure safe, standardized truck stop electrification infrastructure nationwide. SCE also is working with a manufacturer on adding truck stop electrification capability at two local sites.
Other Non-Road Technologies
SCE remains at the forefront of efforts to help customers best manage their forklift, golf cart and other industrial battery charging operations – providing an unparalleled level of expertise, service and support. In the first half of 2006 alone, we made detailed recommendations to nearly 50 customers that totaled more than $2 million in projected electricity cost savings.
To keep up with the latest industry developments, SCE Electric Transportation team members serve on the Advisory Council for the EPRI Non-Road Transportation Committee, and participate in organizations like the Association of Energy Services Professionals, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Peak Load Energy Management Association and many others.
In recognition of our work, SCE received an EPRI Power Delivery Individual Product Champion Award for EPRI-sponsored efforts to investigate the development of ENERGY STAR® energy efficiency standards for electric forklift chargers.
Plug-In Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
SCE is partnering with EPRI and a number of government agencies on several upcoming projects to assess PHEVs, and also is participating in EPRI’s Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Working Group to address issues related to PHEV connectors and infrastructure. EPRI awarded another of its Power Delivery Individual Product Champion Awards to SCE for taking a leadership role in successfully developing and demonstrating the viability of PHEV propulsion technology.
On a national level, SCE is one of just a handful of investor-owned utilities participating in Plug-In Partners (www.pluginpartners.org), an initiative designed to demonstrate the viability of the PHEV market.
There’s More...
SCE serves on the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Technology Advancement Advisory Group, which makes recommendations that help allocate more than $38 million annually in funding for clean-fuel projects.
In addition, SCE Electric Transportation team members regularly serve as lead authors for papers and industry studies, and SCE provides ongoing input on legislative and regulatory issues to ensure they do not negatively impact our customers and utility operations.
SCE pledges to continue our commitment to reducing dependence on foreign oil and protecting the environment we all share. We’re making it happen. Electricity…Sustaining Our Transportation Future.
