Need new 2nd panel to run separate meter

[GTOGreg]

The back-story that precipitates this question:

Recently leased an electric car that will get us in the commute lane and maybe save a few bucks on getting to/from work. Even more recently got our electric bill and was surprised by how much it had gone up. Call to PG&E revealed that in order to realize true savings we need to get on TOU or "Time of Use" plan. Can do that with one meter BUT, all usage has to go down, primarily between the hours of 2-9 pm - not practical with family of four. The other option is to install a separate panel which will be monitored by a separate meter. That way, my house stays on the same plan we've been on and we can keep the lights on, and the electric car sips the juice at a much cheaper .04/kwH (vs .33!) on the second meter.

So, to my question, anyone else installed a 2nd main service panel/2nd meter? What's involved? Does a separate line need to be run from the street or can main service be split?

 

[VHF]

What is your current regular rate?

Your utility will need to make the final call, but I would expect it would be possible the split to feeder from the street to supply two meters. Used to be done for TOU for electric water heaters on a timer. However, you will likely have to make some changes to your service entrance to acomplish it, including replacing your existing meter box. You'll need an experianced electrician/engineer to look at your existing setup and made a recommendation. If you post a picture you might get some ideas here.

Make sure to find out if there are any fixed monthhly costs for the second meter that might eat up your savings. And make sure to program your electric car to start charging after the rates have fallen to $0.04!

 

[#1SomeGuy]

I doubt the effort of going to a second panel is going to have any cost savings anyway...the initial cost would take years to pay off. Time of use seems to benefit people that are at work during the day (when industrial consumption is highest).

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Well, it certainly won't hurt to get some estimates, and its possible that you will be able to split the existing service since the second meter will be low draw dedicated to the car charging.

There may be special parts out there (due to the demand from EV owners) that make it easy for POCO double tap off the incoming line for a second meter, and all you would need would be a small panel, say 60 amp with probably four spaces in it and the receptacle to plug the car into.

What kind of "road use" taxes are they going to hit you for, since you won't be paying it in the gasoline? I've read discussions about states wanting to go to a mileage based system that gets billed either automatically at a fixed amount you set each month with a settle up/down at vehicle inspection time (when the state can read the odometer) or some other way of accounting for mileage.

Road use taxes may make this a not so attractive a route to take if you get the special second electric meter.

Charles

Charles

 

[79firebird]

GTOGreg ask them the rate on running 2 meters my buddy has one on his house and one on his shop and they charge comerical rate wich is more due to 2 on the same property. so now he just runs off 1 and upgraded his service since that his yearly cost so far is cheaper then dual meters

 

[GTOGreg]

What is your current regular rate?

Your utility will need to make the final call, but I would expect it would be possible the split to feeder from the street to supply two meters. Used to be done for TOU for electric water heaters on a timer. However, you will likely have to make some changes to your service entrance to accomplish it, including replacing your existing meter box. You'll need an experienced electrician/engineer to look at your existing setup and made a recommendation. If you post a picture you might get some ideas here.

Make sure to find out if there are any fixed monthly costs for the second meter that might eat up your savings. And make sure to program your electric car to start charging after the rates have fallen to $0.04!

Thanks. There's about a $6/mo charge for 2nd meter. Will see about posting more pics of what I'm working with.

I doubt the effort of going to a second panel is going to have any cost savings anyway...the initial cost would take years to pay off. Time of use seems to benefit people that are at work during the day (when industrial consumption is highest).

Not sure about payback time. I did get a friendly quote of $1400 parts and labor for the 2nd box and then it'd be another $250 to PG&E for the meter. I'd relocate the charger wall-unit myself. I was paying $250 in gas for the other car, so with the right electric plan my energy use SHOULD be ~$50 for this new electric (Ford Focus)

Well, it certainly won't hurt to get some estimates, and its possible that you will be able to split the existing service since the second meter will be low draw dedicated to the car charging.

There may be special parts out there (due to the demand from EV owners) that make it easy for POCO double tap off the incoming line for a second meter, and all you would need would be a small panel, say 60 amp with probably four spaces in it and the receptacle to plug the car into.

What kind of "road use" taxes are they going to hit you for, since you won't be paying it in the gasoline? I've read discussions about states wanting to go to a mileage based system that gets billed either automatically at a fixed amount you set each month with a settle up/down at vehicle inspection time (when the state can read the odometer) or some other way of accounting for mileage.

Road use taxes may make this a not so attractive a route to take if you get the special second electric meter.

Charles

Charles

No road use taxes yet here in CA, as they are really trying to incentivize adoption. Got a screaming lease deal on it for $200/mo with zero down (after incentives). insurance premiums a bit higher due to replacement costs and electrical gadgetry. Road use taxes may come at some point. I've heard of a $100/flat rate/year proposed, as well as mileage based schemes. Getting into the carpool lane "hans-solo" will save me ~1 hr of my time a day, at least through 2015, and that's to say nothing of the frustration and road rage, lol.

GTOGreg ask them the rate on running 2 meters my buddy has one on his house and one on his shop and they charge comerical rate wich is more due to 2 on the same property. so now he just runs off 1 and upgraded his service since that his yearly cost so far is cheaper then dual meters

Still residential, .21/day or $6/mo for the 2nd meter.

With all this said, I was given some advice to look into solar energy in combination with a TOU plan. The solar plan actually includes a TOU meter so that would be something I no longer have to front-load expense-wise. I'm seriously thinking about it and am reviewing quotes now. We get lots of sun and the roof has excellent exposure through the day. Hell, I've become an accidental greenie I'm gearhead to the core. I'm in it for the money and time - I tell you what. That said, I don't regret off-setting the damage I do on the racetrack or having fun with my gas-powered toys.