How Terawatt’s Offsite EV Charging Can Help You Achieve WAIRE Compliance

For warehouse operators facing South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) WAIRE (Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions) Program requirements, achieving compliance might seem like a daunting task. WAIRE requires that warehouses larger than 100,000 square feet must reduce emissions, but the options listed in the program’s “menu” don’t always align with every operator’s situation. If charging infrastructure installed at the warehouse isn’t practical due to space, power, or budget constraints, it can leave many fleets lacking a clear path  to meet these goals, and potentially facing hefty fines. 

But here’s the good news: Using the custom WAIRE plan pathway, Terawatt’s offsite charging solutions can contribute to WAIRE compliance, even when onsite options are out of reach.

The Basics of WAIRE Compliance

The WAIRE Program is designed to reduce emissions associated with warehouse operations. To comply, warehouse operators need to earn “WAIRE points” by implementing various zero-emission measures. The number of points required during a compliance period depends on the number of truck trips to a facility, and points can be earned by taking actions like purchasing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), installing EV charging infrastructure, and tracking kilowatt-hours of energy dispensed for ZEVs.

All of these actions are laid out in the WAIRE menu of compliance actions, each with a specific point value.

The Challenge of On-Site Charging

Many warehouses struggle to install on-site charging infrastructure. Whether it’s the lack of utility capacity, high upfront costs, or other site constraints, electrifying a warehouse can be difficult. And for those who can’t install charging on-site, compliance can feel especially challenging.

That’s where Terawatt comes in.

Offsite Charging and Custom WAIRE Plans

Here’s something many warehouse operators may not realize: the WAIRE menu isn’t the only path to compliance. Warehouse operators can create custom WAIRE plans that propose actions to SCAQMD not listed on the menu, and this includes offsite charging.

While offsite charging isn’t a pre-approved action in the WAIRE menu, it can contribute to WAIRE compliance if it supports ZEVs traveling to and from your warehouse. In fact, custom WAIRE plans that include offsite charging have already been approved by SCAQMD. These plans allow operators to think creatively and propose tailored solutions for meeting WAIRE requirements.

Terawatt’s offsite charging services provide an excellent option for warehouse operators who can’t install their own on-site charging. Our charging hubs can power the trucks heading to your facility, and the energy dispensed can be reflected in your custom WAIRE plan. We provide detailed charging data that can be used to back up your plan and ensure that compliance with WAIRE is documented.

How Terawatt Can Help

At Terawatt, we understand the complexities of WAIRE compliance and the challenges of electrifying operations. We’re here to help you craft a custom WAIRE plan that leverages our offsite charging to meet your emission reduction goals. By utilizing our insights, data collection, and established infrastructure, we can help you propose an effective and compliant plan that supports zero-emission operations, even without on-site charging.

With custom WAIRE plans generally due in early May, now is the perfect time to explore how offsite charging can help your warehouse stay compliant and avoid costly fines.

Reach out to Terawatt to see how we can help simplify WAIRE compliance for your warehouse and help you stay ahead of the curve in creating a sustainable, zero-emission future.