Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
San Diego, CA - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) just approved a $44 million electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure program from San Diego Gas & Electric.
The “Power Your Drive Extension” program will support the deployment of 2,000 new charging stations at apartment complexes and workplaces across the San Diego region and includes individual targets to build at least 50 percent in underserved communities and at least 50 percent in apartment buildings or in nearby locations.
The EV utility program builds off a successful pilot launched in 2016 and uses special “dynamic pricing” electricity rates to encourage charging during off-peak hours or when renewable energy is abundant- in order to maximize fuel cost savings for electric vehicle drivers, while also improving the efficiency and flexibility of the grid, resulting in benefits for all utility customers.
The Sierra Club joined a broad and diverse array of stakeholders in a public process to secure improvements to and approval of this proposal, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Coalition of California Utility Employees, and EV technology companies including Greenlots, Siemens, EVBox, and Enel X.
This win, coupled with the $110 million EV charging program approved in Colorado in January, shows that EV charging investments are gaining momentum in communities across the nation. But more is needed; recent research shows that 100 percent electrification of passenger vehicles across the nation will require at least $87 billion in investment for EV charging through 2030.
In response, Sierra Club Attorney Joe Halso released the following statement:
"We applaud all advocates involved in crafting this important electric vehicle charging program and the Commission for approving it. Building off a successful pilot, this program puts equity front and center in San Diego’s charge to expand access to charging stations in underserved communities and reduce transportation pollution.
“The climate crisis and California’s ambitious goals to electrify its transportation sector require fast and bold action. Though much more needs to be done, this program is an important step forward.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.