New York Commission Approves Managed Charging Programs for EV Customers

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on July 14 announced that the State Public Service Commission approved New York’s electric vehicle active and passive-managed charging programs. The initiatives forma key component of the “EV Make-Ready” program, which required utilities to provide managed charging options. The initiative is aimed to provide EV drivers with discounts if they are charging during favorable times for the grid, as a substitute to whole home time-of-use rates. The program is expected to generate $5 billion in societal benefits through 2030.

As part of the commission’s approval, over 50,000 new Level 2 charging ports will be funded under the EV Make-Ready program that can charge electric cars twice as fast as a standard wall outlet. Additionally, the agency approved 1,500 fast chargers for public use as the state had only 4,571 publicly accessible chargers before the program began. The program is supported by utilities and establishes a cost-sharing program that promotes the development of EV charging infrastructure where it will benefit EV owners the most. State and investor incentives cover up to 100 percent of the costs of developing EV charging ports in disadvantaged communities. With a total budget of $701 million, the commission plans to continue the program till 2025, with $206 million earmarked specifically for community members from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds.

A network of charging stations is expected to bring a net benefit of over $2.6 billion and support the state’s efforts to electrify transportation and support clean energy targets. With renewable energy sources accounting for a growing portion of the state’s electricity mix, electrifying transportation would enable consumers to power their vehicles with cleaner energy sources.

The commission also amended the EV guidelines for Consolidated Edison allowing the electric utility to expand the current single-site plug limit on fast-charging stations from 10 plugs to 30 plugs. This modification will remove the funding restriction on certain incentives. The changes are expected to lessen market limitations to grow charging station availability.

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act requires New York to achieve zero-emission electricity by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030.