In January 2017, California’s investor-owned utilities filed proposals with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to spend a combined $1.07 billion over the next five years to accelerate adoption of electric transportation.

Key Details

• The CPUC already approved a first round of proposals in 2016 for almost $200 million in EV charging infrastructure for light-duty passenger vehicles
• If approved, the new proposals from Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, and San Diego Gas & Electric would focus investment in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles infrastructure and DC fast-charging stations, which were denied in the first round of proposals
• In addition, the plans would introduce new rate structures and incentives for auto dealers and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in some markets
• The projects would be funded through surcharges on customer utility bills, increasing residential customer bills by an average of $0.25 to $0.73 per month
• The proposals come in response to state laws and an executive order by the governor aimed at achieving several electric transportation and emissions reduction goals

Implications

The new proposals are groundbreaking in both size and scope. They also represent a shift in strategy from the utilities’ previous proposals, which targeted basic charging for passenger vehicles. If successful, the projects could demonstrate the broader potential of electrifying transportation.

Additional Resources

GTM: California Utilities Seek $1B to Build Out Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Utility Dive: If You Build It Will They Charge? Utilities Cautious in Plans to Spur Electric Vehicle Adoption

This report is part of the Clean Tech & Sustainability Minute series. To view all featured Minutes, please click here.

Additional Contributing Author: Scott Roulston