Take Action for EV Charging!

There is legislation in New Jersey that will help address demand charges and provide the transparency and certainty necessary for those considering investing in electric vehicle (EV) charging. Assembly Bill 4624 would require electric utilities to file rates with the Board of Public Utilities that would utilize alternatives to both traditional demand-based rate structures and capacity demand charges and accelerate third-party investment in EV charging infrastructure. A4624 received a favorable vote from the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee on September 19, 2024 and has been referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. There is also a Senate version of this bill, S256, which was introduced earlier this year but has not moved yet.

This legislation presents an excellent opportunity to advocate for rate structures that will help mitigate demand charges and create the transparent pricing system necessary for a competitive EV charging market. CAP sent a letter of support for this legislation ahead of the first committee hearing and plan to do so again at future opportunities. We encourage members with operations in New Jersey to consider expressing their support well. Should you wish to submit comments and need assistance please do not hesitate to reach out.

Recently introduced Senate Bill 266 is crucial legislation that will help to level the playing field and drive private investment in Ohio’s EV charging market. SB 266 will prevent electric utilities from owning and operating EV charging stations for the next five years unless done so through a separate, unregulated subsidiary or affiliate. These utility affiliates would be subject to the same rates, terms and conditions as private EV charging operators and cannot receive subsidized rates or other advantages from the utility parent company.

Five years after implementation electric utilities would be permitted to petition to build EV chargers as a part of their regulated business in rural “areas of last resort” that lack publicly available EV charging stations. When seeking to build EV chargers in these areas utilities would be subject to a right of first refusal (ROFR) process, ensuring that private entities have the opportunity to serve an area prior to the construction of a utility-owned and ratepayer funded charger. This legislation has been assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee and had its first hearing on June 12, 2024.

CAP is organizing a coalition letter in support of this legislation for members and other supporters to sign. You can view the coalition letter here. We will send this letter to relevant committees and legislators as SB 266 advances through the legislative process. The more companies and organizations that we have signed on the better! If you are interested in signing on or have any questions, please reach out to Hunter@chargeaheadpartnership.com.