Pennsylvania EV owners can earn up to $120 a year for charging off-peakThe Cool DownAaron GoldsteinMon, September 21, 2026 at 6:39 AM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: iStockPennsylvania drivers with electric vehicles may soon have a relatively easy way to lower their charging costs without sacrificing convenience.One PA-based utility, PPL Electric Utilities, is now offering eligible customers up to $120 per year to charge their vehicles when demand on the grid is lower.Here's what to knowAccording to Lehigh Valley Business, the new incentives are geared toward people who charge their EVs at home and can avoid the grid's busiest hours.AdvertisementAdvertisementThrough this new program, customers have two optional choices: one automated option that can pay up to $120 a year and another off-peak program, managed by the driver, that offers up to $60 annually.In the higher-reward Optimized EV Charging program, eligible vehicles or Level 2 chargers are used to adjust charging times to outside peak-demand periods, per Lehigh Valley Business. Drivers still plug in the way they normally would, while the scheduling changes happen automatically in the background.PPL's other option, the EV Off-Peak Rewards Program, is meant for customers who prefer to handle charging schedules themselves. Participants in this program decide the timing on their own and can qualify for annual rewards by meeting the off-peak guidelines, as reported by Lehigh Valley Business.More backgroundWhen many people use electricity at the same time, the power grid comes under greater strain. EV charging is one household activity that can often be shifted more easily than others, especially when a vehicle is parked overnight for several hours.AdvertisementAdvertisementShifting charging to different hours can help utilities manage rising electricity demand while reducing pressure on existing infrastructure during peak times. For drivers who already charge at home, adjusting when they plug in or when the vehicle pulls power could also mean extra money.Through either program, customers still keep control over when their vehicles charge. The optimized option also has override features when needed, which could make it more practical for commuters with changing schedules or drivers getting ready for an unexpected trip.Where can I learn more?These articles cover home EV charging costs, charger rebates, public charging prices, and common myths about EV costs.• Across the U.S., home EV charging costs about 5 to 6 cents a mile.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Common misconceptions still obscure what EVs really cost to buy, fuel, and own.• In Gunnison County, Colorado, homeowners can get up to $1,250 for a home EV charger.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.