Ava SmartHome Charging is our new EV and PHEV managed charging program, launched in partnership with Optiwatt, a trusted leader in managed charging technology. This program automatically shifts your charging to times when renewable energy is cheaper and more available.
Ava customers who charge their EVs and PHEVs at home can join the program and earn up to $75 in one-time rewards and $25 annually per vehicle, in addition to an estimated $140 annual electricity bill savings.
Using Optiwatt’s intelligent charging algorithm, SmartHome Charging automatically optimizes your charging schedule to ensure your vehicle is ready when you need it while taking advantage of low-cost, clean energy times.
How It Works
Support the Grid While You Save
Many EV charging schedulers simply charge when rates drop, without considering when renewable energy is available. When thousands of EVs start charging at once, it creates new energy peaks that strain the grid and reduce our use of clean power.
SmartHome Charging solves this by using real-time data to find times when rates are low and renewable energy is abundant. We offer rewards because your participation helps Ava meet your energy needs more efficiently. So while you save at home, you’re also supporting a stronger, cleaner grid for everyone.
By shifting your charging with this program, you’re not only saving on electricity, you’re also increasing the use of renewable energy and helping maintain grid stability for everyone.
Savings and Rewards:
$75Joining reward
$25Additional rewards annually
$140Average annual electricity bill savings*
*Based on average customer habits. Actual savings may vary based on your vehicle, usage, and plan.
Note: You may have seen other programs that promise savings of $600-$700 per year. You may indeed save that much if you are currently charging entirely at peak times. But our research shows that many EV drivers have already made the effort to charge off-peak. While we’re confident our program provides additional value beyond your current charging habits, our numbers reflect a realistic savings target.
How Do I Get Started?
Sign up for a free Optiwatt account: Visit the Optiwatt website or download the Optiwatt app for free on your iOS or Android mobile device to sign up.
Set up your profile and get verified: Add your address and vehicles. Optiwatt will guide you through the setup and verification process.
Claim your first reward: Once your account and first charging session are verified, your $75 joining reward will be processed. You can redeem your reward via ACH, Venmo, PayPal, digital gift card, or charitable donation.
Set up charging preferences: Use the Optiwatt app to configure your charging schedule, trips, and preconditioning settings.
Continue earning and saving: You’ll earn monthly rewards for as long as you stay in the program, and the Optiwatt app will help you automatically shift charging to off-peak, clean energy times to reduce your energy bill and charging emissions.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, you must be an Ava customer who charges at least one EV or PHEV at home at least once a month. Check your vehicle or charger’s eligibility in the Eligible Vehicles section of the program Terms and Conditions.
Ava SmartHome Charging is our new EV managed charging program designed to help you maximize savings and increase your use of renewable energy by shifting your charging to off-peak and solar hours. The program is run in partnership with Optiwatt, a trusted leader in managed charging technology. Optiwatt’s intelligent charging algorithm adjusts your charging schedule so your vehicle is ready when you need it while taking advantage of low-cost, clean energy times.
Who is Optiwatt?
Optiwatt is Ava’s implementation partner for the SmartHome Charging program. The Optiwatt app provides insights and easy management of your EV and EV charger to save you money and balance the electric grid.
If I agree to participate in Ava SmartHome Charging, what will I receive?
Each EV or charger you enroll in Ava SmartHome Charging will earn you a $75 reward once 1) you’re verified as an Ava customer, and 2) you complete your first home charging session. You will also receive $25 annually per EV or charger for as long as you remain enrolled, charge at home at least once a month, over 50% of your home charging takes place during off-peak hours, and the program is active. Additionally, you’ll receive free access to the Optiwatt app, which contains many valuable features for understanding and controlling your EV’s energy consumption.
Rewards are provided in the Rewards tab of the Optiwatt app and can be redeemed through Venmo, PayPal, ACH transactions, gift cards, or a charitable donation.
If you enroll through your electric meter, you must remain subscribed to program communications to receive rewards.
If both an EV and a charger are enrolled, only the EV will receive incentives unless the charger also charges a separate EV that meets the reward criteria above.
If your EV is telematics-enabled and participates in the program in multiple locations, it will still only receive one reward.
How will this affect my charging schedule?
By participating in the program, you agree to allow Ava and Optiwatt to manage your vehicle’s charging to lower your bill, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to a more resilient grid. By customizing settings in the Optiwatt app, you can conveniently optimize your charging while ensuring your car is charged when you need it.
Will this program prevent me from charging my EV?
No. You will always have the option to override and charge immediately in the Optiwatt app. If you use Optiwatt’s optional charging features, Optiwatt will prioritize your departure time and charge limit preference to ensure you always have the charge you need. You will also have the ability to “Charge Now” in the Optiwatt app, which replaces this function in your previous charging app.
How do I participate in the program?
If you have an EV, simply connect your EV and/or EV charger to the Ava instance of the Optiwatt mobile or desktop app by opening the app and completing onboarding instructions. If neither your EV nor your charger are able to connect, you can still join by attesting that you have an EV that you charge at home in the app. If you are already an Optiwatt user and are an eligible Ava customer, enable the Ava SmartHome Charging enrollment toggle in the “Devices” tab of the app, and make sure your home address is updated in the “Profile” tab.
Active participation in the program requires that you remain enrolled, charge at home at least once a month, and over 50% of your home charging takes place during off-peak hours.
Who is eligible for the program?
To be eligible for the program, you must be an Ava customer who charges at least one EV or PHEV at home at least once a month.
What vehicle makes and models are eligible?
View a full list of eligible makes and models in the Eligible Vehicles section of the program Terms and Conditions.
What if I want to stop participating in the program?
If you decide to disenroll, you may do so easily using the Ava SmartHome Charging card within the “Devices” tab of the Optiwatt mobile or desktop app. Alternatively, you may email support@optiwatt.com to disenroll at any time. We highly recommend chatting with Optiwatt’s support team to resolve any issues before doing so, so that they can help address your concern and keep you eligible for the program’s ongoing rewards and savings on your electricity bill.
If I have more than one electric vehicle, am I eligible to participate with additional vehicles?
Yes, you can receive the incentive for each EV in your household that charges at home. To register additional EVs or EV chargers, simply connect the vehicle or charger to the Ava instance of the Optiwatt app in the “Home” tab of the mobile app or desktop site and they will be automatically qualified if you are already enrolled.
If both an EV and a charger are enrolled, only the EV will receive rewards unless the charger also charges an EV that is not enrolled in the program. If your EV is telematics-enabled and participates in the program in multiple locations, it will only receive one reward.
Does Ava SmartHome Charging provide benefits beyond incentive payments?
Yes. In addition to incentive payments, Ava SmartHome Charging helps lower your energy costs and emissions by shifting EV charging away from high-cost, high-carbon hours. Enrolled EVs and chargers are optimized to charge during the lowest-cost periods, reducing both individual and system-wide costs for all Ava customers. After prioritizing user preferences, such as “Ready By” times, the program will also optimize charging times based on CAISO pricing signals for PG&E DLAP, which directly impact Ava’s cost to serve load.
If I have further questions, who should I contact?
If you have questions about Ava SmartHome Charging, please contact Optiwatt by emailing support@optiwatt.com or calling their support line at +1 (925) 492-7585 (phone line support hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm PST).
