Consumers Energy Load Management Pilot FAQs

What is the Consumers Energy Load Management pilot?
The Load Management pilot is a limited program offered by Consumers Energy that automatically shifts your EV charging to times that are cheaper for you and easier on the local grid, so charging stays affordable and reliable as more neighbors go electric.
 

Can anyone sign up?
This pilot is invitation only and is limited to selected customers in the Grand Rapids Area. It is not open for general enrollment.

I already use Optiwatt. Am I in the pilot automatically?
If you are an existing Optiwatt user in the pilot area and you turned on the “Support the Grid” setting in the app, you may be enrolled automatically and would have received a notification. You can turn that setting off or unenroll at any time.
 

What do I need to participate?
You need to be a Consumers Energy residential electric customer at an invited address in the Grand Rapids Area, charge an electric vehicle at home using a level 2 charger, and have an EV that can connect to Optiwatt so charging can be managed remotely. Optiwatt supports the large majority of EV makes and models; the current list is at Which Vehicle Models Do You Support.
 

How do I enroll?
Consumers Energy will contact eligible customers directly via email. There are two steps: first, you will be invited to join PowerMIDrive™, Consumers Energy's EV program; then you will be invited to join the Optiwatt platform, where you download the app, connect your vehicle, and join the program. Once your vehicle is connected, managed charging starts automatically.
 

How does participating benefit me?
Optiwatt automatically shifts your charging to off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, so you save without changing your routine and you charge off-peak under Consumers Energy's PowerMIDrive™ Smart Charge Incentive program (details at
ConsumersEnergy.com/PowerMIDrive).
 

What will actually change about my charging?
Most charging moves into the off-peak period that begins at 11 p.m. In some cases, Optiwatt spreads charging across several hours rather than starting every vehicle at once. Either way, your car charges overnight and reach your desired state of charge before your specified departure time.
 

Will this stop me from charging my EV when I need it?
No. Optiwatt works around your departure time and charge limit settings, so your vehicle is ready when you need it. You can also opt out of any individual event, or simply start charging manually at any time.

Will I be notified before my charging is managed?
Yes. With notifications enabled in the Optiwatt app, you get a headsup before managed charging events.

Do I need to install any equipment?
No. Optiwatt connects to your vehicle through your existing carmaker account, so there is no hardware to buy, install, or plug in.

How long does the pilot last?
The pilot runs through the end of 2026. After it ends, you can keep using Optiwatt free of charge to optimize your charging around your rate plan and preferences.

How do I stop participating?
If you decide to unenroll, you may do so easily within the “Devices” tab of the mobile or desktop Optiwatt app. Alternatively, you may email [e-mail] to unenroll at any time. We highly recommend chatting with the support team to address any concerns or challenges with the program before unenrolling.

Who do I contact with more questions?
Email Optiwatt at [e-mail] for questions about the app, your vehicle connection, or your enrollment. For questions about your Consumers Energy account or PowerMIDrive™, contact Consumers Energy at [e-mail].