Electric Vehicles Fueled by State Funds
On May 30, 2018, the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) approved wide-ranging proposals from the State’s large investor-owned utilities to expand electric vehicle infrastructure and rebate programs with a total budget of over $738 million.
The order stems from the 2016 directive ordering investment owned utilities to propose projects that would advance the electrification of transportation. The decision aims to balance costs with benefits for all ratepayers, considers impacts on competition, and directs significant portions of the utility programs to disadvantaged communities. The approval marks the State’s largest investment in vehicle electrification to date. Transportation accounts for 39% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions. The efforts stem from a legal requirement that the State obtain half its electricity from renewable resources by 2030, a benchmark the State is poised to surpass.