Facing a potential gap in the number of installed electric vehicle chargers needed to meet the state’s clean transportation goals, the California Public Utilities Commission released proposed rules to guide near-term priorities for utilities investing in charging infrastructure in June 2021. The proposed decision offers state utilities more flexibility in what infrastructure they can deploy before 2025 and provides for a streamlined application process.
The PUC also laid out principles the utilities should follow to ensure equity in their EV infrastructure rollout, including a requirement that utilities target at least 50% of their infrastructure or expenditure for customers in underserved communities. The decision also says plans should be coordinated with community-based organizations and that installed infrastructure be accessible to all community members.