Plan designed to support Colorado’s goal of having 940,000 EVs on the road by 2030
NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES
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DENVER – On May 15, 2023, Public Service filed its Application for its 2024-2026 Transportation Electrification Plan (TEP). This is the Company’s second TEP application.
The Company’s inaugural TEP covered the period of time from 2021-2023. Public Service states that its 2024-2026 TEP builds off of the practices and lessons learned through implementing its inaugural TEP and is designed to support Colorado’s goal of having 940,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2030.
In 2019, Colorado enacted SB 19-077, establishing new requirements for electric public utilities to file a TEP application with the Commission every three years beginning May 15, 2020. The purpose of these TEP applications is “to support widespread transportation electrification” within the utility’s service territory. SB 19-077 requires that a TEP “seek to minimize overall costs and maximize overall benefits.”
SB 19-077 contemplates that TEPs may promote a variety of programs, including “investments or incentives to facilitate the deployment of customer-owned or utility-owned charging infrastructure, including charging facilities, make-ready infrastructure, and associated equipment that support transportation electrification.”
Public Service organizes its proposed 2024-2026 TEP programs into the following six portfolios: (1) Residential; (2) Commercial; (3) Clean Vehicles; (4) Public Charging Acceleration Network; (5) Advisory Services; and (6) Innovation.
One of the largest proposed TEP programs is the Public Charging Acceleration Network in which the Company seeks to install, own, and maintain approximately 460 public fast chargers.
The Company has also proposed an alternative approach in which it would provide rebates to third-parties to incentivize and support the installation of public fast chargers.
Public Service’s proposed budget for the 2024-2026 TEP is $439 million. For reference, the proposed budget of the Company’s inaugural TEP was $108 million.
Numerous parties have intervened in the Proceeding, including Staff of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the Utility Consumer Advocate, the Colorado Energy Office, Tesla, Inc., the City and County of Denver, Western Resource Advocates, and the Sierra Club.
The Commission has scheduled a 10-day remote evidentiary hearing beginning on Jan. 10, 2024.
The remote Public Comment Hearing is set for Jan. 10, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. or until concluded by the Commission.
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