JUMPSmartMaui seeks volunteers for Phase 2 of ‘SmartPower’

Among the benefits qualified JUMPSmartMaui volunteers will receive is an Electric Vehicle-Power Conditioning System installed at no charge (determined by site visit).
KIHEI – JUMPSmartMaui is currently seeking homeowner and business volunteers for its next phase, “SmartPower.”
Utilizing the new technology of the Electric Vehicle-Power Conditioning System (EV-PCS), SmartPower’s volunteers will have the opportunity to charge their Nissan LEAFs and discharge the power to their homes and businesses.
The EV-PCS is an EV charger that can charge a vehicle at twice the speed of the Level-1 charger equipped with LEAF. It also serves as a power source during power outages or as needed.
Up to 300 volunteers are needed to help create this “virtual power plant.”
Among the benefits qualified volunteers will receive: an EV-PCS installed at no charge (determined by site visit), charging/discharging capability from EV-PCS, and use of JUMPSmartMaui’s DC Fast Charging stations through March 2016 at no charge.
To learn more about the homeowner and business eligibility and benefits, attend one of the upcoming informational meetings that will be held at the JUMPSmartMaui Innovation Center in Queen Ka’ahumanu Center in Kahului on Wednesday, Jan. 20, or Monday, Jan. 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Advanced reservations are requested; register with Lory Basa at Maui Economic Development Board at (808) 270-6802 or e-mail info@JUMPSmartMaui.com. Meeting dates are subject to change with notice.
In Phase 1, the JUMPSmartMaui project recruited more than 200 EV and 30 residential volunteers. The project offered participants access to EV Fast Charging stations at sites across the island, as well as free installation of Level II chargers and smart energy monitoring devices at their homes.
The project met its initial recruitment goals and is continuing to gather valuable data from its volunteers to evaluate and balance electric grid supply and demand.
JUMPSmartMaui’s Phase 2 advances the next stage of energy management for homes and businesses.
“Our hope is that these types of programs will generate more community interest in clean energy and promote the adoption of EVs on Maui,” said Jeanne Skog, president of Maui Economic Development Board, one of key organizations partnering on the JUMPSmartMaui project.
“Through our collective efforts, we can continue to reduce the use of fossil fuels on Maui and contribute to our state’s renewable energy goal at 100 percent by 2045.”
JUMPSmartMaui is a collaborative demonstration project between Japan, Hawaii and Maui that incorporates Smart Grid, renewable energy, and all-EV solutions to achieve a cleaner future for Maui.