How Rural Electric Cooperatives Can Leverage Distributive Energy Resources (DERs) for MHDVs

by | Nov 3, 2025 | Rural Electric Cooperatives, Transportation Electrification

Rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) have a unique advantage in the clean energy transition. Their community-centered, non-profit model, and commitment to member service position them to lead the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar, behind the meter battery storage, and smart appliances.

The rise of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles (MHDVs) adds significant new load to the grid, but also presents new opportunities. By integrating charging infrastructure with DERs like solar, battery storage, and demand-side management tools, co-ops can optimize for both resilience and flexibility.

Innovative technologies like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and smart charging (V1G) allow EVs to charge when electricity is cheap, then feed back to the grid when demand spikes. Combined with inclusive utility investment models, these solutions can be deployed without shifting costs onto ratepayers.

Integration Strategies for Co-ops:

  • Pair new chargers with community solar or behind-the-meter storage: Integrating renewable generation or local battery storage can reduce peak demand impacts, improve grid resilience, and lower charging costs for members.
  • Pilot V2G programs with school buses or local fleets: V2G technology allows parked electric buses and fleet vehicles to provide stored energy back to the grid, supporting reliability and creating potential new revenue streams for the school districts. 
  • Use tariffed on-bill models to help members overcome upfront cost barriers: Financing EV chargers or related upgrades through utility bills enables members to adopt new technology without large upfront payments, repaying costs over time through energy savings.

DERs and EVs are not separate solutions; they are synergistic. Planning for integration from day one ensures co-ops can maximize grid value and deliver lasting benefits to their members.

📄 Learn more in our full report, where we outline the challenges and opportunities, best practices, and recommendations that can help co-ops succeed.

📢 Stay tuned for upcoming blogs in this series! Each will take a deeper dive into a different area of the report. 

Questions? Email us at: margarita.parra@cleanenergyworks.org and lidiya.kassahun@cleanenergyworks.org