I&M introduces new metering method for Michigan’s electric car owners
In an effort to provide lower charging cost rates, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is offering its Michigan electric car customers the option of charging their vehicles during off-peak hours using a sub-meter.
This will lower the amount of associated electrical equipment necessary, as the sub-meter will be connected directly to the customer’s electrical panel. Their hope is that this will lower installation costs, and to encourage it, I&M is also offering limited rebates of up to $2,500 for customers to have qualified equipment installed in their homes.
“I&M continues to build our system to add the flexibility customers want to meet their needs today and into the future,” I&M President and COO Toby Thomas said. “The use of electric cars will only grow, and I&M wants to make it easier for our customers to be able to use this environmentally friendly technology if they choose.”
Building on these incentives, I&M will also install the first 250 sub-meters requested by customers without any additional monthly service charge involved. For a few more customers beyond this, the monthly service fee will be $2.75, though the standard for most customers will be $7.25 per month.
The Michigan Public Service Commission has already approved the program, expanding offerings. Previously, Michigan customers were limited to either have their entire household use set under a Time of Day rate or install a second metered account for their electric vehicles.
