Electrification Enablement via Load Balancing Solutions Focus Pilot

The CalNEXT Electrification Enablement via Load-Balancing Solutions Focused Pilot was launched in early 2025. Its primary objective was to understand how load-balancing solutions or technologies were being used in existing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installations and validate load-balancing technologies’ potential to enable additional electrification without requiring costly electrical panel or service upsizing.This pilot successfully validated LBTs in EV charging installations to understand their capability to dynamically manage high demand loads and demonstrated potential for electrifying within the existing electrical infrastructure. The pilot covers a wide spectrum of technologies including circuit splitters, meter collars, smart panels, and smart circuit breakers. These technologies were installed and tested in ten sites to demonstrate optimal configuration for electrification and managing loads within existing panel capacity.The pilot observed that on average, the maximum demand for existing homes is 20 percent to 30 percent of existing panel capacity, leaving ample capacity for electrification of water heating, space heating, electric vehicle charging, cooking, and laundry on the existing panel. However, based on 2025 National Electrical Code load calculations, majority of the demonstration sites would need a service upgrade if they implement electrification measures proposed in the pilot. With the use of LBTs, electrification measures were installed at all the demonstration sites cost-effectively without triggering service upsize through load management. Key outcomes also included technology performance findings, integration challenges, and practical recommendations for contractors, customers, and program implementers for cost effective electrification. Ultimately, this pilot validates targeted load management to overcome infrastructure constraints, expediate fuel substitution, and contributes to electrification at scale.