PUC Starts Formal Process For Drafting Policy Statement On Electric Vehicle Charging Rate Design, Following Recommendations Of Working Group

On May 18, the Public Utility Commission formally began the process of drafting a policy statement on electric utility rate design for electric vehicle (EV) charging, following the review of comments submitted by concerned parties and the recommendations of the Commission’s EV Charging Rate Design Working Group.

The Commission voted 5-0 to initiate a proceeding that will result in the issuance of a policy statement on EV charging rate design, directing the PUC’s Law Bureau and Bureau of Technical Utility Services to prepare a proposed policy statement for consideration.

The PUC convened the EV charging working group and sought comments and input from concerned parties in response to a petition filed in 2022 by a coalition focused on EV adoption and development in Pennsylvania. 

The PUC working group brought together more than 20 entities, including utilities, consumer advocates, Pennsylvania state agencies, EV manufacturers, businesses, environmental organizations, trade groups and other concerned parties, to discuss issues related to utility rate design for EV charging and gather input.

Most of the comments received during this process supported the Commission’s consideration of EV charging rate design, including a common thread supporting the establishment of an informal process to explore the issues surrounding EV charging rate design – which is the stimulus for today’s action to begin the work of drafting a policy statement.

“This impending sea-change in the transportation sector presents an opportunity for our electric utilities as increased consumption from EVs can work to defray traditional customer distribution system costs,” noted PUC Vice Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank and Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss in a joint statement at today’s PUC public meeting. “It is incumbent on this Commission and the regulated electric utility industry to consider and adopt rate structures that foster the most effective and equitable use of the distribution grid to the benefit of all consumers.”

The proposed policy statement on utility rate design for EV charging will be considered at a future PUC public meeting.

For more information, refer to PUC Docket No. P-2022-3030743.

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[Posted: May 18, 2023]  PA Environment Digest