April Thomas, 206.321.3850, april.thomas@sierraclub.org
Utah -- Yesterday, the Public Service Commission approved an $10M Electric Vehicle (EV) incentive and time-of-use pilot program, as a part of Rocky Mountain Power's Application to Implement Programs Authorized by the state’s Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan Act.
The program creates incentives for the installation of EV charging stations, including fast charging stations, workplace and multi-family Level 2 charging, and grant-based custom projects and partnerships. It also establishes several time-based electricity rate options for EV charging, which vary based on the time electricity is consumed; if cars are plugged in during off-peak hours, the rates are lower. The incentive program to deploy charging stations will run for the next five years, while a load research study will be completed over the next year to test the new time-based rates. To ensure learning-by-doing, the program also includes strong requirements for data collection and reporting.
This program was modified and improved by a settlement agreement reached among Sierra Club, the utility, Public Service Commision Staff and other environmental, consumer and EV industry advocates last month, which the Commission’s decision accepts and approves. The settling parties included the Utah Division of Public Utilities, the Utah Office of Consumer Service, Western Resource Advocates, Utah Clean Energy, ChargePoint, and Rocky Mountain Power.
Utah's commitment to electric vehicles reflects the growing commitment by utilities to build out EV charging infrastructure and will bring us a 21st century world of transportation. Similar proposals are being advanced by utilities across the country including in MA, NY, CA, OR, and MI.
In response, Sierra Club Attorney Joe Halso released the following statement:
“We are pleased to see the Commission give the green light to Rocky Mountain Power’s EV Program, an innovative program that will allow families to plug in their vehicles where charging is needed most and when it’s most beneficial to the grid. This program will help Utah build healthier communities and sets a strong example for utilities across the country. The Sierra Club looks forward to working with the Commission to strengthen and expand this program in the future. We will continue to push Rocky Mountain Power to clean up their grid so that electric vehicle customers can charge their vehicles with the clean energy they want and deserve.”