• Vehicle
  to Grid (V2G) allows an Electric Vehicle (EV) to export power back to
  the grid. In order to export to the grid, the EV must be paired with a
  distributed energy resource system (solar, wind, etc..) that meets the
  requirements for an exporting system under Schedule
  6, Schedule
  8, or Schedule
  84. EVs by themselves are considered energy storage devices and are
  not allowed to export to the grid unless paired with an approved exporting
  generation system. V2G applications require a specialized charger that can
  export power to the grid in a manner that is safe and complies with all Schedule
  68  interconnection requirements, just as a solar inverter would.
• Vehicle
  to Home (V2H) is a technology that allows the energy stored in an EV
  to be used as a power source for the home. This function is much like a
  traditional back-up generator. V2H requires a specific type of EV charger
  to be installed, which not only allows for two-way charging but also
  converts AC (alternating current) from the grid into the DC (direct
  current) used by EVs and vice versa. Additionally, it is necessary to have
  a transfer switch (a device that ensures the system doesn’t back feed
  power onto the grid during outages) that completely isolates the vehicle
  and backed up loads from Idaho Power’s grid. The switch should be
  installed by a qualified electrician and permitted.
• Vehicle
  to Load (V2L) is a simple technology that allows appliances
  (refrigerators, TVs, or power tools) to be plugged into the EV, via use of
  onboard 110- or 220-volt power plugs.

One feature some electric vehicles offer is the ability to
use the vehicle as a backup power source for your home or business in the case
of a power outage. Depending on how its configured, some additional Idaho Power
requirements apply.

• If
  connected like a portable generator (Vehicle to Home), with a transfer
  switch (a device that ensures the system doesn’t back feed power onto the
  grid during outages) that completely separates the vehicle and backed up
  loads from Idaho Power’s grid, ensure the switch is installed by a
  qualified electrician and permitted.
• If the
  electric vehicle is connected in parallel with Idaho Power (Vehicle to
  Grid), meaning it is connected to and receives voltage from Idaho Power’s
  electrical system, the system must come through Idaho Power’s
  interconnection process and meet the requirements of Schedule
  68   Interconnections to customer Distributed Energy
  Resources.

Some vehicles offer vehicle to grid (V2G) applications,
where power from the vehicle may flow back the electric utility system. In
order to export to the grid, the EV must be paired with a distributed energy
resource system (solar, wind, etc..) that meets the requirements for an
exporting system under Schedule
6, Schedule
8, or Schedule
84. EVs by themselves are considered energy storage devices and are not
allowed to export to the grid unless paired with an approved exporting
generation system.

Under Idaho Power’s Schedule
68  interconnection requirements, EVs can export to Idaho Power if all
of the following criteria are met:

• The EV
  is paired with a distributed energy resource system (solar, wind, ect…);
• The EV
  charging system includes a specialized charger that can safely connect to
  the grid and complies with all Schedule 68 requirements;
• Before
  connecting a V2G , the on-site renewable generation system (including the
  EV energy storage device) must complete Idaho Power’s interconnection
  process. For more information on the interconnection process and to begin
  an application, please visit Apply
  to Connect Your System – Idaho Power.

Vehicle to Grid (V2G) applications require a specialized
charger that can export power to the grid in a manner that is safe and complies
with all Schedule
68  interconnection requirements, just as a solar inverter would.

• For
  homes that already have a distributed energy resource (solar, wind
  ect…), it is necessary to submit an interconnection application to Idaho
  Power to add an electric vehicle for grid export. For more information on
  the application process, please visit Apply
  to Connect Your System – Idaho Power.

The cost of installing a V2G charging station can vary
between charger manufacturers. As of 2024, a standard level 2 home charger
costs between $500 to $1500, plus installation. While an equivalent V2G system
costs $6,000 to $10,000, plus installation. Be sure to check with the vehicle
manufacturers’ requirements as some may limit the amount of energy that can be
pulled from a vehicle without violating the terms of the vehicle warranty.

Vehicle models prior to 2024 may not be capable of V2G
charging. Vehicle chargers that are marketed as Vehicle to Home (V2H) in most
cases do not meet the requirements for V2G. Check with your vehicle
manufacturer to determine if you have V2G or V2H capabilities.