Changing Utility Rates Push Buildings to Manage Power Smarter

Propmodo Technology

Greetings,

The big story this week comes from Apple. No, it isn’t a new gadget or new version of the iPhone. Apple has gone on a spending spree, buying $517 million of Bay Area real estate. These purchases, which will be developed mostly to house employees, are one of the largest single-week commercial real estate buys in the Bay Area this year. The move demonstrates Apple’s commitment to ownership over leasing as it reinforces its long-term physical presence in the region, something that will likely be emulated by other companies hoping to copy Apple’s ability to continuously innovate.

This week, in partnership with SWTCH, we’re exploring some often-overlooked aspects of energy management. Rising peak energy consumption has led utilities to adopt new rate structures, requiring buildings to be more strategic in managing electricity use during peak hours. At the same time, increasing power demands from electrification and EV adoption are making smart EV chargers and load management software essential. These tools help buildings avoid expensive utility upgrades while maintaining efficient, tenant-friendly energy use across all systems.

Still figuring out the right EV charger setup—hardware, software, and installation? You’re not alone. Curious how your peers in real estate are handling it? Take our quick poll to see how others are approaching EV charger installations. Then, read our latest feature: How Smart EV Chargers are Helping Buildings Overcome the Challenges of Electrification.

Let’s go!

Presented by SWTCH

Install more EV chargers, not new electrical panels

High costs and complexity are common roadblocks for commercial EV charging. They don’t have to be. What if you could install all the EV chargers your property needs without expensive and disruptive electrical upgrades?

With intelligent load management technology, you can use your existing infrastructure to save thousands and scale your charging capacity. No upgrades required.

Join our free webinar July 10 at 1 pm ET to see exactly how it works.

Energy Management

Bytes

🏦 Big savings
A new report by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy showed that smart building technology is producing energy savings of 8% to 18% in commercial buildings.

🚚 Dark distribution
Walmart is testing adding “dark stores” to its real estate portfolio in order to help it fill orders faster for its expansion of online orders.

❌ Rental software ban
The city of Seattle has passed a bill that prohibits tech companies from providing “algorithm-driven rental-cost services” to landlords in the city.

Overheard

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Propmodo Technology is edited by Franco Faraudo with contributions from readers like you and the Propmodo team.

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