The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has awarded a $1.7 million grant to an electric vehicle charging company, AmpUp, to help Connecticut prepare for EV-charging needs as more people switch to the vehicles.
The award is from PURA’s Innovative Energy Solutions program, which aims to “identify, pilot and scale innovative ideas that enable a decarbonized, affordable and equitable electric grid for Connecticut.”
AmpUp, based in Santa Clara, Calif., won the competitive grant on Dec. 13.
The program seeks to provide grid operators with solutions to balance energy demand during peak periods by decreasing load at EV stations, which leads to cost savings for ratepayers, according to an announcement from the company.
AmpUp said it plans to open an office in East Hartford in early 2024.
AmpUp will use the grant funding to “develop an EV charging station management platform that assists EV charging station owners to balance and optimize load through revenue- and data-driven use cases.”
The project is planned to kick off in 2024.
“We are eager to accelerate the EV transition in the state by exploring EV charging management capabilities with utilities, station owners and EV drivers,” said Tom Sun, CEO & co-founder of AmpUp. “We are investing heavily in the state of Connecticut and (are) excited to see opportunities like this grow local jobs in addition to helping the state meet their air quality goals.”
AmpUp was one of seven final awardees among more than 50 applicants for this round of grant funding. It was the only EV charging company selected for this phase.
Drew D’Alelio, senior investment associate at Connecticut Innovations, said AmpUp’s software and energy management technology will help drive “meaningful economic and environmental benefits for CT residents and simplify the EV transition.”
Connecticut Innovations’ Climate Fund is supporting AmpUp as it opens a Connecticut office.
