The Public Utility Commission is inviting comments on a petition from ChargEVC-PA requesting the Commission to issue a Policy Statement on electric utility rate design for electric vehicle charging in PA. (formal notice)

ChargEVC-PA said the petition was prompted by announcements by multiple vehicle manufacturers that they plan to significantly ramp up availability of electric vehicles.

In terms of the need for a Policy Statement, they pointed to provisions in the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act that promotes the installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

That act also amends the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to require states to consider measures to promote the electrification of the transportation sector, promote charging options for customers, accelerate third party investment in public charging and appropriately recover costs related to electricity supply for EVs and associated infrastructure.

The petition points to these potential benefits of electrification--

-- Benefits to electric-grid utilization – electrification of transportation could improve load factor on the grid, increasing the overall efficiency of the system. As such, EV adoption can drive down costs for all ratepayers.

-- Economic development benefits – by transitioning its transportation system to run on electricity, Pennsylvania can decrease its reliance on oil and increase reliance on domestic fuels and a local electricity sector that will bring economic benefits to Pennsylvania’s economy.

-- Consumer cost savings – Due to greater fuel efficiency and lower fuel cost along with lower maintenance requirements, EVs provide opportunities for substantial cost savings for consumers. These cost savings provide additional discretionary income to Pennsylvania residents, which also drives local economic development through increased consumer spending on goods and services.

-- Air pollutant reductions and human-health improvements – the DEP Electric Vehicle Roadmap indicates that a number of Pennsylvania counties consistently exceed EPA human-health standards for ozone and fine-particulate matter. The burning of transportation fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, is a substantial source of air pollution. With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs present the potential to reduce air pollution and adverse health impacts and burdens on Pennsylvanians and their communities.

-- Greenhouse gas reductions – climate change caused by greenhouse gas (including

carbon) emissions is one of the most significant challenges we face today.

ChargEVC-PA noted the Commission has already taken some steps to promote EV adoption.

In November 2018, the Commission issued a Policy Statement on Third Party Electric Vehicle Charging, clarifying that service provided by a public EV charging facility should not be construed as a sale of electricity to a residential customer, and requiring that electric distribution companies (EDCs) expressly address EV charging stations in their tariffs.

In addition, Duquesne, PECO and UGI have, with Commission approval, implemented various programs to promote EVs, including incentives and education for customers and installation of public chargers, and to learn about how EV charging will impact the distribution grid.

The Petitioners submit that the Commission has an opportunity to take another important step forward to promote EVs in Pennsylvania by issuing a Policy Statement on EDC rate design for EV charging. Well-designed utility EV rates can reduce rates for all customers and provide EV owners potential cost savings.

Click Here for a copy of the petition.

Public comments are due to the PUC by April 11.  Docket No. ​​P-2022-3030743.

Related Articles This Week:

-- DEP Celebrates Installation Of Latest Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers To Help Reduce Vulnerability To Volatile Energy Markets, Dependence On Fossil Fuels

-- WHYY: Philly’s Newest Electric Vehicle Chargers Designed To Help Drivers Living In Rowhouses Go Electric

-- PUC Highlights 4 Electric Utilities In PA Decreasing The Cost of Their Electricity

Related Articles:

-- PUC Approves UGI Utilities Plan To Remove Barriers To 3rd Party Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

-- PUC Approves Duquesne Light Filing For Third-Party Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

-- PUC Approves FirstEnergy Filings On Removing Barriers For 3rd Party Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

-- Plans Now Due From Electric Utilities For 3rd Party Electric Vehicle Charging Services

-- PUC Approves PECO Rate Settlement With Pilot Program For Fast-Charging Stations For Electric Vehicles

[Posted: March 11, 2022]

3/14/2022