In partnership with Optiwatt, the new program brings rewards, savings, and clean vehicle charging to EV and PHEV drivers in Ava’s service territory

OAKLAND, Calif., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ava Community Energy (Ava) today announced the launch of Ava SmartHome Charging, a new program to reward electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivers for charging their vehicles on clean energy. In partnership with Optiwatt, a trusted provider of managed charging technology, Ava drivers can earn up to $100 in incentives in the first year while potentially lowering their monthly energy bill by an average of $140 per year.

Ava SmartHome Charging utilizes Optiwatt’s intelligent charging algorithm to reduce energy grid strain caused by at-home EV and PHEV charging. The Optiwatt app optimizes participants’ at-home charging to ensure vehicle charging automatically occurs during lower-cost, renewable energy times – saving drivers both time and money.

“Ava is on a mission to provide 100% clean energy to our customers by 2030, and our new SmartHome Charging program will allow customers to charge their vehicles on more renewable energy while simultaneously saving money,” said Howard Chang, CEO of Ava Community Energy. “By partnering with Optiwatt, we can now offer our customers seamless charging solutions that benefit both drivers and the community.”

How it Works:

• Ava customers can connect their EV or PHEV to Optiwatt’s mobile app or web login at no cost.

• After enrolling, participants receive a one-time $75 reward for joining the program, and an additional annual reward of up to $25 a year, paid monthly, for remaining enrolled.

• Ava SmartHome Charging automatically shifts a customer’s EV or PHEV charging to off-peak times, taking into account unique schedules and preferences.

“Launching a program of this scale has the potential to make a significant impact,” said Casey Donahue, founder of Optiwatt. “By leveraging our advanced charging algorithm and the growing number of EVs, we can shift substantial energy demand to cleaner, more affordable times. This effort will benefit every Ava customer, helping to create a more sustainable and cost-effective energy future.”

Ava SmartHome Charging is available to most EVs and PHEVs. Participants simply need to sign up through the Optiwatt app available on iOS, Android or via Optiwatt’s website. After completing a quick verification process, users will immediately start earning rewards and saving on their energy bills. The program is open to all Ava customers and seeks to enroll at least 5,000 vehicles by the end of 2025.