Lauren Lantry (202) 548-6599, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
Emily Norton (508) 397-6839, emily.norton@sierraclub.org
Boston, MA -- Late yesterday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) released an order in Eversource’s rate case that approves the company’s proposal to significantly accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in its service territory.
The proposal would help install more than 4,000 new make-ready charging stations over the next five years, representing an investment of approximately $45 million. Installations include charging stations at workplaces, multi-unit dwellings such as condominiums and apartments, and other long dwell time locations. The proposal also commits Eversource to installing up to ten percent of these charging stations in low income communities, and to providing rebates for the cost of those chargers.
By speeding the deployment of EVs in the Commonwealth, the proposal will help Massachusetts achieve its Global Warming Solutions Act and Zero Emission Vehicle commitments.
The Department’s order also addressed a number of other aspects of Eversource’s rate case, including the Company’s proposed performance based ratemaking mechanism, the company’s proposed rate of return on equity, and its ability to recover a range of costs.
In response, Emily Norton, Massachusetts Chapter Director for the Sierra Club released the following statement:
“While some aspects of yesterday’s order are cause for concern, we applaud the DPU for approving a robust role for Eversource in helping drivers, including low income drivers, make the switch to electric vehicles. Vehicles that run on electricity rather than petroleum mean cleaner air, healthier residents, and keeping money here at home rather than sending it to petroleum-producing states and countries. We hope that the Department will also approve National Grid’s EV proposal which is currently pending before the Department, including the marketing and outreach aspects, which are important to helping drivers understand the company’s offerings and the benefits of EV ownership.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.