St. Paul, Minnesota — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) welcomes the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision affirming the Commission’s approval of Xcel Energy’s Electric Vehicle (EV) pilot programs and cost recovery mechanisms. The pilot programs enable more EV charging and further legislative goals meant to increase transportation electrification.

“Today, the Court opinion affirmed an important decision by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The Commission recognizes that more electric vehicles on Minnesota roads will improve air quality, reduce emissions and can help lower electricity costs for all Xcel ratepayers,” said Commission Chair Katie Sieben.

“These pilot programs are modest but important steps forward that will allow stakeholders to assess potential benefits of electric vehicles in Minnesota,“ said Commissioner Matt Schuerger. “This will also better inform the Commission as it considers future filings from utilities regarding transportation electrification.“

The Commission approved three pilot programs from Xcel Energy in 2019. The pilot programs consist of three electric vehicle programs aimed at different sections of transportation users, both fleet operations and private individuals.

The first program is a fleet pilot where Xcel Energy would install, own, and maintain make-ready EV infrastructure for fleet operators. Initial fleet customers are expected to be Metro Transit, the Minnesota Department of Administration, and the City of Minneapolis.

The second program is a public charging pilot aimed at increasing DC Fast Charging along high-traffic corridors in Xcel Energy’s service territory. This pilot will also facilitate the installation of community mobility hubs with non-profit carsharing organization HOURCAR as the anchor tenant, allowing the hubs to offer public DC and Level 2 charging for those without home EV charging options.

The third program is a residential pilot program where Xcel Energy will install and maintain charging equipment in customer’s home that a customer can prepay or repay over time in installments. Xcel then offers subscribers a flat monthly fee for off-peak electricity usage and a separate rate for charging at peak usage times.

About

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy; electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc

Please contact Will Seuffert, 651-201-2217 or will.seuffert@state.mn.us if you have any questions.

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