Arizona Public Service Receives Approval for New Program That Encourages Daytime EV Charging

The Arizona Corporation Commission has approved a new electric vehicle charging tariff for Arizona Public Service Company that encourages daytime solar charging. This new program will promote EV charging during the maximum solar energy production hours at discounted prices, which will not only promote the adoption of electric vehicles fueled by renewable solar energy but also benefit the electric grid by increasing electric load during the day time, As per the new tariff, EV owners can get a discount of up to $0.04223 per kilowatt-hour if the vehicle is charged at commercial charging stations during the new “off-peak” hours.

Under the new Solar EV tariff program, a new off-peak period, from 9 am to 3 pm, is established for commercial establishments, and a new on-peak period is set for the rest of the day. During off-peak hours, solar energy production is high and electric generation is cheap. During on-peak hours, electric generation is the most expensive. The program provides an opportunity for employers to offer affordable workplace charging services to their employees.

The program, designed for commercial establishments, is comparable to an existing program that is targeted at residential customers. The existing EV charging rate offers incentives to residential customers who charge their vehicles late at night. The new and existing solar EV tariffs complement each other as customers can save money by charging at their workplaces or commercial establishments during the day and also get cost benefits if vehicles are charged at their homes during nighttime.

Chairwoman Márquez Peterson proposed the solar EV program last year during the tariff review meeting with Arizona Public Service Company, and the proposal was well supported by the commission.

Interested parties, such as business owners and facility managers, should contact the Arizona Public Service Company for more information.