The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved a motion to explore operating third-party electric-vehicle charging stations in the state.
“I believe the future of this emergent market can benefit from review of electric distribution companies’ (EDCs) existing resale/redistribution tariff provisions,” Chairman Gladys Brown said. “It may be beneficial to provide more clarity regarding exactly what restrictions, if any, that each utility has, and whether regulatory consistency across the state could help foster increased investment in this maturing industry.”
The PUC is seeking solutions to five problems and questions raised from the increased use of electric vehicles in the state as well as the expansion of electric-vehicle charging stations.
Each of Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies bills third-party charging stations differently. The PUC will determine if existing tariffs place any restrictions on the redistribution of utility service for third-party electric-vehicle charging stations.
A review will study the benefits and drawbacks of tariffs permitting unrestricted resale/redistribution of utility service to charging stations. It also will study whether a state-wide tariff system is appropriate.
With this information, the PCU will examine whether rules and regulations for third-party electric-vehicle charging stations need to be established.
The PCU encourages economic development and new environmentally sound technologies in a competitive market.