Press Release

PUC Invites Comment on Proposed Policy Statement on Electric Utility Rate Design for Electric Vehicle Charging in Pennsylvania

Published on 12/26/2023

Filed under: Electric Transportation and Safety

Comment Period Has Opened for Input on Key Policy Issues to be Weighed by the PUC in Determining Appropriate Rate Structures for EV Charging

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today alerted consumers and other interested parties about the start of a public comment period for a proposed PUC policy statement regarding electric utility rate design for electric vehicle (EV) charging.

EV Charging Policy Statement

In October 2023 the Commission unanimously approved a motion by PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank which began the process for developing a policy statement – seeking comments from Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies (EDCs) and other interested parties about the factors that the Commission should consider, including, but not limited to, key policy issues related to EV-charging rate tariffs, rate design, and rate equity for distribution services and default service generation.

In initiating this discussion, Chairman DeFrank highlighted the opportunity to utilize the portfolio of new technologies such as, advanced metering, advanced grid monitoring, energy efficiency, demand response, and smart devices to better accommodate the evolving demand profiles created by a new energy landscape.

The move to craft a policy statement on EV charging comes following extensive study of the issue by a PUC-convened EV Charging Rate Design Working Group, along with review of input and comments generated in response to a petition filed in 2022 by a coalition focused on EV adoption and development in Pennsylvania. 

Commenting on the Proposed EV Charging Policy Statement

The proposed EV charging policy statement was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Dec. 23, 2023 [53 Pa.B. 7935], which began the period for public comments and reply comments.  Interested parties may submit written comments through Jan. 22, 2024. Following that, parties have an opportunity to file written reply comments through Feb. 21, 2024.

Both comments and reply comments should reference PUC docket number M-2023-3040755.

Comments and/or reply comments should be filed using the Commission’s electronic filing system (eFile).  A free eFiling account may be opened and used through the Commission’s website, which also includes instructions for filing comments. 

NOTE: Comments containing confidential information may not be eFiled, but must be emailed to Commission Secretary Rosemary Chiavetta at rchiavetta@pa.gov rather than being eFiled.

About the PUC

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.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.:  M-2023-3040755

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov