EV Smart Flex Charging Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Terms & Conditions

By enrolling in, and remaining enrolled in this program you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.

What is the EV SmartFlex Charging pilot?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, more and more PSEG Long Island customers might be charging at the same time, which can put a heavy strain on the local power equipment, such as the transformers on your street. To learn how to prevent power equipment from overloading, Optiwatt, a leading provider of managed charging solutions, is launching a pilot program in collaboration with NYSERDA.

Optiwatt’s technology talks directly to your car to spread out charging times, ensuring everyone gets a full battery without causing "power spikes" or overheating local equipment. 

The goal of this pilot is to prove that with a little smart coordination, we can protect our local power grid while making it easier and more reliable for everyone to go electric.

As a participant in the program, you get rewarded with an upfront incentive when you sign up, and another incentive if you stay enrolled until the pilot finishes. 

Additionally, as a participant in  the program you can also choose to optimize your charging schedule when charging is cheapest or most ecologically friendly, and you can always opt out at any time. 

Why are NYSERDAand Optiwatt offering this pilot?

This program explores a new way to coordinate electric vehicle (EV) charging to help protect the grid and keep everyone’s costs down. Our platform will coordinate the charging of your EV with others in your area, scheduling charging times to keep the electrical grid happy and balanced. By spreading out when and where people charge in your area, we will figure out the best way to avoid stressing the local electrical system and make sure your community has reliable power and lower costs for everyone.

How long will the pilot/program last?

You can enroll beginning in mid-January, and we will optimize your vehicle’s charging schedule between April 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026. 

How many vehicles can participate?

The pilot is open to a maximum of 500 vehicles. You can enroll as many eligible vehicles as you want. Enrollment will close once the pilot cap has been reached. 

If I agree to participate in the EV SmartFlex Charging pilot with Optiwatt, what rewards will I receive?

You will earn a $40 incentive once your enrollment is confirmed into the program and another $40 incentive at the end of the program if you remain enrolled and participating for the duration of the program.

When will I receive my $40 enrollment incentive?

Your incentive will be sent once you have successfully completed your enrollment and recorded your first charge at the home address you enrolled under. The second $40 incentive will be paid out after the program ends on 10/31/2026.

How will this program affect my charging schedule?

By participating in the pilot, you agree to allow Optiwatt to manage your vehicle's charging. This means that Optiwatt will automatically turn off your charging when it is most costly to you or most harmful to the grid, and will turn it on during times of low cost and low grid stress, all while guaranteeing that your vehicle will be allowed to charge for sufficient time to reach your charging goals. You will have the opportunity to opt out of any of the events if participating would cause an inconvenience. The Optiwatt app helps you conveniently optimize your charging and ensure your car is charged when you need it.

I need to charge my EV during a managed charging event, how can I override this?

You will always have the option to charge now within the Optiwatt app. If you do choose to use Optiwatt's optional charging features, Optiwatt will prioritize your departure time and charging goal preferences to ensure you always have the charge you need.

Will this pilot prevent me from charging my EV?

No. The pilot will act kind of like a motion-sensing light for your vehicle charging - turning it on when you need it and off when you don’t. But it will always make sure that your vehicle is able to charge sufficiently to meet your needs and you will always have the option to charge immediately without interruption if you need it. If you choose to use Optiwatt's optional charging features, Optiwatt will prioritize your departure time and charge goal preferences to ensure you always have the battery you need.

How do I participate in the program?

Sign up at Optiwatt.com or download the Optiwatt app to complete the EV SmartFlex Charging enrollment.

How do I stop participating in the pilot?

You can un-enroll from the pilot at any moment using the Optiwatt platform.  However, please note that you will not be eligible for the $40  end-of-program incentive if you are no longer enrolled by 10/31/2026.

If I have more than one electric vehicle, am I eligible for multiple incentives?

Yes!

If I have further questions, who should I contact?

Further questions should be directed to Optiwatt by emailing [e-mail]

How do I know if I am eligible for the EV SmartFlex Charging pilot program?

• You have an Optiwatt-eligible vehicle: you can find the full list via this link.
• You must have PSEG Long Island as your electric utility provider
• You charge your electric vehicle within the service territory of PSEG Long Island