SRP Helps Homebuilders Develop “EV Ready” Communities

With 18.7 million electric vehicles (EV’s) predicted to be on U.S. roads by 2030, SRP announced today that its ENERGY STAR Homes program now features a new EV Ready option that incentivizes homebuilders to prewire Phoenix area home communities for EV charging needs.

“Pre-wiring homes for EV charging capabilities adds value for all individuals involved,” said Rebecca Smout, SRP Program Manager. “This includes homebuilders who will soon be required to install this wiring, and homeowners who now have the option to charge EV’s without putting in expensive infrastructure themselves. Homeowners will also see increased resale values as EV charging will soon be an expectation of homebuyers in the Valley area moving forward.”

Starting as early as 2023, several cities across the Valley will begin requiring new homes built have EV wiring installed per proper building codes. As part of SRP’s ENERGY STAR Homes program, builders will be offered a $300 incentive for each home wired for electric vehicle charging along with marketing support to advertise these communities to potential buyers. This incentive cuts the cost roughly in half for homebuilders’ EV wiring installation.

ENERGY STAR homes pre-wired for EVs will be able to accommodate Level 2 EV charging which is able to recharge electric vehicles twice as fast as Level 1 charging. Level 2 charging also supports the most advanced charging technology now available, including smart chargers and Amazon Alexa-enabled charging.

SRP recently conducted a survey of customers part of its EV Community in 2020 and found that among more than 1,200 EV drivers in Arizona, 70% have Level 2 chargers at home.

“There is no denying this is the way of the future for the greater Phoenix community,” said Smout. “SRP found that 84% of surveyed EV drivers living in our service territory would recommend buying an electric vehicle to a friend or colleague, and 40% said costs associated with charging their vehicles are lower or much lower than expected.”

Home builders interested in learning more about this program and how they can qualify for SRP’s EV Ready incentive should visit SaveWithSRPBiz.com and fill out the Request Rebate Info form.

ENERGY STAR certified homes are recognized as higher quality, more consistent homes that meet over 150 critical construction details and ensure better process control and greater return on building investment. SRP provides builders who participate in this program advanced technical, sales and marketing trainings focused on building science. These trainings are offered throughout the year, both online and in-person when permissible.

As part of SRP’s 2035 Sustainability Goals, SRP plans to support the enablement of 500,000 EVs in SRP's service territory and manage 90% of EV charging through price plans, dispatchable load management, original equipment manufacturer integration, connected smart homes, behavioral and other emerging programs.