Press Release

PUC Advances Proposed Policy on Third-Party Electric Vehicle Charging; Seeks Clarity, Consistency Among Electric Utilities

Published on 3/15/2018

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today advanced a proposed policy on third-party electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that seeks to provide greater clarity and consistency throughout the state.

“Elimination of any regulatory uncertainty is an important first step in supporting the build-out of electric vehicle infrastructure,” Chairman Brown stated in a motion at today’s PUC public meeting.  “The existing panoply of different tariffs indeed results in a lack of clarity and consistency throughout the state regarding resale/redistribution of electricity for EV charging, and I believe it is prudent to make tariff provisions of this nature ubiquitous among Electric Distribution Companies.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to publish a draft Policy Statement which clarifies that third-party electric vehicle charging is not considered resale/redistribution under Section 1313 of the Public Utility Code and further directs EDCs to add EV charging tariff provisions consistent with the policy. Upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, there will be a 45-day comment period for interested parties to share their thoughts with the Commission.

On June 15, 2017, the Commission issued a Secretarial Letter launching a third-party EV charging inquiry, underscoring the differing rules and provisions of the resale of utility service by third-party EV charging stations, all of which may be subject to differing interpretations.

In her comments, Chairman Brown emphasized the distinction between electricity for use as a transportation fuel and electricity as an essential public utility service, noting that the Commission has already approved one tariff provision – for Duquesne Light Company - which helps to reduce regulatory uncertainty in that service territory.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.:   M-2017-2604382

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov