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The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) outlined last week an agreement among its members to aid in the development of electric vehicle infrastructure. EEI is an industry group representing utility companies throughout the United States ranging from Xcel Energy to Duke Energy. The group pledges to “move forward aggressively” in creating comprehensive infrastructure for plug-in EVs and all-electric vehicles. In addition to burnishing its credentials as an eco-minded organization, EEI is also stepping up to the White House’s challenge to put one million EVs on American roads by 2015.
The EEI agreement lays out five criteria for its members to follow as EV infrastructure is developed. EEI members are tasked with helping state regulators and legislators assess prospective problems with adding charging stations to the electrical grid. This initial phase of the plan also requires members to work with local officials, automakers and other businesses to localize infrastructure development.
The second phase of the EEI agreement dictates that members add components to their customer service department to meet increased demand. Utilities will need to anticipate questions about monthly rates, charger installation and incentives sure to be part of EV infrastructure development. EEI members will also work together on a national education program to prepare customers for EV rollouts. This program would highlight the benefits of electric vehicles including reduced emissions, energy security and sustainability. EEI members will also point out the importance of off-peak charging to head off surges in electrical grids.
The final two points of the EEI agreement focus on the supply side of EV rollouts, namely cost reduction and fleet deployment. EEI utilities will work on incentives for consumers and businesses to encourage involvement in EV rollouts. These incentives would range from grants to municipalities installing public charging stations to discounted rates for off-peak charging. The last step in the EEI game plan is to work with fleet buyers on decreasing costs and increasing efficiency in EV use. EEI members plan on working with fleet buyers on educational programs, establishing best practices and offering discounted rates for charging at certain stations.
The EEI plan was assembled after looking at existing infrastructure plans and EV initiatives around the United States. The organization represents 70% of the electric industry in the United States, which lends credence to the five-point plan. Readers should hold off on celebrating the EEI initiative until these plans are implemented, however. While the EEI plan would be bold in scope, it would require a complex web of partnerships that may not emerge for another decade.
