Industrial Commission approves funding for EERC to develop EV Infrastructure Resilience Plan

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center is working on developing a plan to improve electric grid resiliency amid growing demand for EV charging stations.

The Regional Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Resiliance Plan looks to create a road map for utilities and public entities in the event of a disruption of the electrical grid. CEO Charlie Gorecki says as more electric vehicles drive on roads, it could cause a strain on the grid during peak demand times.

“What this study is looking at is how would we as a region handle increased EV’s and EV charging stations. What would be their potential impacts, how would that influence or affect the state and the grid adversely, and how would we prepare ourselves as a region to be able to handle those challenges,” said Gorecki.

Gorecki adds officials from Montana, Minnesota, and South Dakota are also helping with the plan due to similar environments and climates.

The total cost of the project is more than $1.8 million. The Industrial Commission is providing $375 thousand through grants.

Development is expected to take about two years.

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