I'm posting this new thread in response to:
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3750
The original thread seems to blame LADWP for the delay in Blink installations. After some investigation, it seems to me that Ecotality is the one that is holding up Blink installations for LADWP customers.
For some reason, which I may speculate on later, Ecotality is requiring LADWP customers to go the route of installing a second TOU meter dedicated to EV charging. Previously, this was not a requirement. For some people, this is prohibitively expensive. For anyone with a solar PV system that supplies most of their electricity, this option doesn't make financial sense, because the net metering on the PV will likely keep the customer within the cheapest rate tier, even with EV charging.
Ecotality is able to offer their free EVSE program because of a federal government incentive. LADWP offers its own rebate program directly to its customers. The LADWP program requires the customer to install the second dedicated TOU meter for the EV. However, the LADWP program rebate is independent of the Ecotality rebate, or should be. The customer should be able to choose the Ecotality rebate, or the LADWP rebate, following the terms of whichever program they choose.
Apparently, the new Ecotality agreement requires the customer to turn over to Ecotality any rebate obtained through LADWP. By requiring Ecotality EV Project participants to get a second TOU meter, EV Project participants quality for the LADWP rebate, which is then turned over to Ecotality as part of the new EV Project agreement.
It seems like Ecotality is trying to (greedily, if I may add) claim the LADWP customer's LADWP rebate. This doesn't make much sense, though, because the LADWP rebate only covers excess costs, above the Ecotality provided rebate. Ecotality EV Project participants already take responsibility for excess costs, so I don't see how Ecotality would get any additional money from this new term. Unless, of course, Ecotality found some loophole that would allow them to claim the LADWP rebate, anyway.
I'm not normally this cynical, but Ecotality is now trying to kick me out of the EV Project by claiming I lied on my application. They accuse me of having an electric dryer and stove, but not indicating so on my original application. I don't have an electric dryer or stove (both are connected to gas lines, the stove produces a flame when in use). They also accuse me of not having an available slot on my circuit panel, although I do have one. Of course, with the requirement of a second meter, this is all a moot point anyway, because the second meter would bypass the original meter and circuit panel altogether. Furthermore, three previous electrical contractor assessments (including one provided by Ecotality) concluded the existing meter and panel are just fine for a Blink installation -- the only upgrade needed is a single circuit breaker upgrade from 30 amp to 40 amp.
The whole experience with Ecotality is incredibly frustrating. Are there any LADWP customers who have had a smooth experience with the Ecotality program?
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3750
The original thread seems to blame LADWP for the delay in Blink installations. After some investigation, it seems to me that Ecotality is the one that is holding up Blink installations for LADWP customers.
For some reason, which I may speculate on later, Ecotality is requiring LADWP customers to go the route of installing a second TOU meter dedicated to EV charging. Previously, this was not a requirement. For some people, this is prohibitively expensive. For anyone with a solar PV system that supplies most of their electricity, this option doesn't make financial sense, because the net metering on the PV will likely keep the customer within the cheapest rate tier, even with EV charging.
Ecotality is able to offer their free EVSE program because of a federal government incentive. LADWP offers its own rebate program directly to its customers. The LADWP program requires the customer to install the second dedicated TOU meter for the EV. However, the LADWP program rebate is independent of the Ecotality rebate, or should be. The customer should be able to choose the Ecotality rebate, or the LADWP rebate, following the terms of whichever program they choose.
Apparently, the new Ecotality agreement requires the customer to turn over to Ecotality any rebate obtained through LADWP. By requiring Ecotality EV Project participants to get a second TOU meter, EV Project participants quality for the LADWP rebate, which is then turned over to Ecotality as part of the new EV Project agreement.
It seems like Ecotality is trying to (greedily, if I may add) claim the LADWP customer's LADWP rebate. This doesn't make much sense, though, because the LADWP rebate only covers excess costs, above the Ecotality provided rebate. Ecotality EV Project participants already take responsibility for excess costs, so I don't see how Ecotality would get any additional money from this new term. Unless, of course, Ecotality found some loophole that would allow them to claim the LADWP rebate, anyway.
I'm not normally this cynical, but Ecotality is now trying to kick me out of the EV Project by claiming I lied on my application. They accuse me of having an electric dryer and stove, but not indicating so on my original application. I don't have an electric dryer or stove (both are connected to gas lines, the stove produces a flame when in use). They also accuse me of not having an available slot on my circuit panel, although I do have one. Of course, with the requirement of a second meter, this is all a moot point anyway, because the second meter would bypass the original meter and circuit panel altogether. Furthermore, three previous electrical contractor assessments (including one provided by Ecotality) concluded the existing meter and panel are just fine for a Blink installation -- the only upgrade needed is a single circuit breaker upgrade from 30 amp to 40 amp.
The whole experience with Ecotality is incredibly frustrating. Are there any LADWP customers who have had a smooth experience with the Ecotality program?