Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Continues Paving Way for More Electric Vehicles

St. Paul, Minnesota — The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues its work evaluating proposals to expand Minnesotan’s access to electric vehicles. At its March 11 regular agenda meeting, the PUC approved two electric vehicle pilot programs brought forward by Minnesota Power. This decision will continue guiding how the state’s electric utilities develop and expand electric vehicle infrastructure and will help ensure that electric vehicle expansion benefits all customers.

The PUC approved two pilots. The first is an off-peak charging rewards program which will pay rewards to customers when they charge their vehicles during non-peak hours. The second program provides rebates for smart charging devices and for the installation of a second service for off-peak charging. The pilots will investigate whether charging electric vehicles outside of peak hours can reduce costs or provide other benefits to the system.

Commissioner Schuerger said: “Electric vehicle technology has the potential for rapid growth, this decision will maximize the benefits of EVs for Minnesota Power ratepayers. Off peak charging reduces the cost of charging a vehicle, both to EV drivers and to all Minnesota Power ratepayers.”

Minnesota Power developed this pilot program in response to the February 1, 2019, PUC electric vehicle order, which instructs utilities to file proposals intended to enhance the availability of, or access to, charging infrastructure, increase consumer awareness of electric vehicle benefits, and/or facilitate managed charging or other mechanisms that optimize the incorporation of electric vehicles into the grid.

About

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone service. 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

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